Keir Starmer's decision that the UK will recognise Palestinian statehood is a bold move. The prime minister must often feel he can't win; some of the 130 Labour backbenchers clamouring for recognition are unhappy he has set conditions for Israel's actions, which implies he might not go ahead with the move. Sarah Champion, chair of the international development select committee, is “troubled” by the conditions.
Predictably, the Conservatives and Reform UK are sniping from the sidelines. They complain Starmer is playing "gesture politics", saying his initiative is all about party management as he again caves in to his own MPs. But it is the opposition parties who are playing silly political games.
