A group of UK political leaders from across the four nations has come together to urge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take urgent action over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a joint letter, leaders from multiple parties, including the SDLP, Sinn Féin, Alliance, SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Green Party, and People Before Profit, have called for a stronger UK response and immediate diplomatic efforts to help end the war.
They’re asking for Parliament to be recalled urgently, for a halt to UK arms sales to Israel, and for the government to use its influence to push for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza without obstruction.
While Starmer has said the UK will officially recognise a Palestinian state in September—unless there’s significant progress from Israel—these leaders argue that waiting is not an option. "Every day we delay, more innocent lives are lost," the letter states. "We must act now. The UK cannot sit by and do nothing."
Among those who signed the letter are Claire Hanna (SDLP), Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin), Naomi Long (Alliance), Stephen Flynn (SNP), Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru), and Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit). The Scottish Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrats also added their support.
Claire Hanna said this joint effort was about giving voice to the deep frustration felt across communities about the UK government’s lack of strong action toward Israel’s military operations. "This is about doing everything we can to speak up for the people suffering in Gaza," she said.
The letter also stresses the importance of ensuring food, clean water, and humanitarian aid reach those in need in Gaza. While the signatories condemn the Hamas attacks on October 7, which left over 1,200 people dead and hundreds taken hostage, they also express alarm over the scale of Israel’s military response, which has led to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths.
Recently, Israel announced plans to take over Gaza City—something Starmer criticized as a move that would only worsen the bloodshed. However, the UK’s intention to recognise Palestine has drawn backlash from Israel and raised tensions with key allies like the US.
In closing, the joint letter calls on the UK government to back an immediate ceasefire and work toward a peaceful, long-term resolution. "We will be remembered for what we chose to do—or not do—during this crisis," it says.
Israel continues to deny accusations of genocide.
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