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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
John Crace

From safety first to Palestine first, Keir Starmer shows some leadership

Keir Starmer at a lectern with two union jacks behind him
Keir Starmer was unequivocal. The UK will recognise a Palestinian state before the next meeting of the UN general assembly. Photograph: Toby Melville/AP

What a difference a week makes. Last Tuesday, Keir Starmer batted away all invitations to recognise the state of Palestine. It wasn’t happening. Keir was committed to being appalled by the situation in Gaza but not appalled enough to do anything about it.

He then received a letter from more than 250 MPs, including some cabinet ministers, later in the week begging him to recognise the state of Palestine. He still stonewalled. The time was not yet right.

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