By Andrew Whitley
BPP Chair
20 May 2025
This 19 May 2025 joint statement represents a noticeable hardening and clarification of UK policy on several fronts. In the months leading up to it, the Starmer Government had already set a different tone from its predecessor – calling unequivocally for a Gaza ceasefire, suspending some arms exports used in the war, and sanctioning certain West Bank settler entities but it had not moved forward with immediate recognition of Palestine, as the Britain Palestine Project has consistently demanded. However, the joint statement goes further, and its multilateral nature amplifies its impact.
Below is a summary of what changed or became clearer on 19 May, and why it matters:
- Stronger Condemnation of Israel’s Actions: While previously United Kingdom Ministers urged restraint and spoke of potential IHL violations, in recent weeks Hamish Falconer, the responsible Minister, has been much more critical of Israel on humanitarian grounds, and in this statement the UK (with France & Canada) flatly labels Israel’s renewed Gaza offensive “wholly disproportionate”. This blunt assessment of Israel’s military campaign had not been voiced at the Prime Ministerial level before. It signals less patience with Israeli conduct and a willingness to publicly rebuke Israel in unusually stark terms for a strategic and security ally.
- Linking Consequences to Non-Compliance: Before 19 May, the UK’s public warnings lacked explicit ultimatums. The joint statement changes that by warning Israel that if it does not cease its Gaza operations and lift the aid blockade, the UK and partners “will take further concrete actions”. This introduction of conditional consequences is welcome, but they are not spelt out. It implies that diplomatic support or other cooperation could be scaled back, or that further sanctions might follow. In the same vein, the statement’s vow “not [to] hesitate” to use targeted sanctions over West Bank settlements is a clear escalation – effectively putting Israel on notice that its settlement policy could trigger punitive measures. These points add teeth to positions that were previously expressed as strong objections but without an “or else” clause. It remains to be seen if the “or else” is acted on.
- Humanitarian Demands Intensified: The UK had consistently advocated for humanitarian access, but the 19 May declaration is even more forceful. Calling Israel’s latest, minimal allowance of food “wholly inadequate” and its aid denial “unacceptable” is a more confrontational tone, effectively accusing Israel of neglecting basic humanitarian obligations. This builds on Falconer’s earlier condemnation of the plan for limited humanitarian hubs for aid distribution in the South of Gaza only and the privatisation of the delivery of that aid.
- Political Horizon – Two-State Solution and Recognition: The joint statement places heavy emphasis on a political path forward – notably referencing the upcoming high-level conference in New York and committing to work towards a two-state solution including recognition of a Palestinian state. The inclusion of “And we are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end” could be a qualitative shift. Previously, UK officials supported two-state talks but stopped short of committing to recognition absent a final peace agreement or as part of a peace process. Now, the UK is perhaps leveraging the prospect of recognition as part of jump-starting that solution.
- Alignment with Allies and International Initiatives: the UK, as previously with E3 statements, is framing its stance as part of a broader coalition. The joint statement itself is trilateral, reflecting close coordination with France and Canada. The inclusion of Canada, under the newly re-elected Liberal Government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is a welcome new development. The statement also reiterates support for US, Qatari and Egyptian mediation for a ceasefire and welcomes the Saudi/French-led conference on two states to be held from 17 to 19 June. By doing so, the UK is not acting alone but rather integrating its policy with international efforts. This multilateral approach strengthens the credibility of the UK’s positions – Israel is more likely to take notice when multiple major allies speak in unison.