Lawyers warn Starmer recognising Palestinian state could break international law

Some of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers have warned the government that recognising a Palestinian state would breach international law.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK would move towards recognition unless Israel met certain conditions, including agreeing a ceasefire and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution, on Tuesday.

A day later, Canada announced it would also move towards recognition at a UN summit in September, where 147 of the UN’s 193 member states already formally recognise a Palestinian state.

However, opponents argue Palestine does not meet the legal requirements for statehood under international law because important criteria have not been met.

The Montevideo Convention sets out the criteria for the recognition of a state under…