Sun Jul 27 17:24:35 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A minor opposition party in the UK Parliament, the Scottish National Party (SNP), is threatening to force a vote on recognizing Palestinian statehood if Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to oppose the move. This comes after over 220 MPs, including some from Starmer’s own Labour party, urged the government to follow France’s lead in recognizing a Palestinian state. France is expected to formally recognize Palestine at a UN meeting in September, which would make it the first G7 country to do so. The pressure on Starmer is mounting both domestically and internationally due to the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns over the humanitarian crisis there.
**News Article:**
**UK Opposition Party Threatens Vote on Palestinian Statehood, Increasing Pressure on PM Starmer**
**London, July 27, 2025 (The Hindu) –** The Scottish National Party (SNP), a minor opposition party in the British Parliament, has ratcheted up the pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the recognition of a Palestinian state. The SNP announced Sunday it will introduce a “Palestine Recognition Bill” when Parliament reconvenes in September, vowing to force a vote if Starmer continues to resist the move.
The announcement follows a letter signed by over 220 Members of Parliament from across nine UK political parties, urging the government to follow France’s lead in recognizing a Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron stated his country intends to formally recognize Palestine at a UN meeting in September.
“Unless Keir Starmer stops blocking U.K. recognition of Palestine, the SNP will introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill… and force a vote if necessary,” said Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP in the UK parliament. He called on Starmer to “stop defending the indefensible” and demand an end to the war in Gaza.
Recognizing Palestine would make France the first G7 nation to take such a step. Starmer is facing growing domestic and international criticism over his stance, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian situation. His office stated that he spoke with his French and German counterparts on Saturday, outlining UK plans to airdrop aid to Gaza and evacuate sick and injured children.
The SNP holds nine seats in the 650-seat UK Parliament. While a vote on a Palestinian Recognition Bill would likely face significant opposition, the move highlights the increasing pressure on Starmer to change his stance on the issue.
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