The Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to press US President Donald Trump to reverse a decision that revoked visas for Palestinian officials, saying the ban would shut Palestinians out of next week’s United Nations General Assembly meeting.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who is boycotting the state banquet for Trump, wrote to Sir Keir alongside 72 Liberal Democrat MPs asking him to raise the matter when the US president arrives for a state visit later. The party wants the visas for Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 other officials restored so they can attend the UN meeting in New York. If the US refuses, the letter urges the prime minister to seek relocation of the summit to the UN’s offices in Geneva so the Palestinian delegation can participate.
The visa revocations, announced in August, were framed by US officials as a response to Palestinian actions they said undermined peace efforts, including moves toward unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The decision has been welcomed by Israel but is unusual because the United States typically facilitates travel for foreign delegations attending sessions at UN headquarters in New York.
Sir Keir has said the UK will formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN summit if Israel does not meet a set of conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution. The Liberal Democrats argue that barring Palestinian officials from the assembly would deny them a forum to advance those diplomatic aims.
The State of Palestine is currently recognised by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and holds the status of a "permanent observer state" at the UN, which allows participation in debates but not voting rights.
The row over access to the UN comes amid renewed violence in Gaza. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned a recent Israeli military offensive, warning that further assaults risked civilian casualties and would endanger remaining hostages. Israeli Defence Forces officials ordered residents in parts of Gaza City to move south as ground operations were reported and senior Israeli ministers described heavy strikes on the city.
In parliament and public statements, British politicians across parties have pressed for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza. The timing of the visa revocations has heightened diplomatic tensions ahead of the UN gathering, which is due to begin next Tuesday, and will test how closely allied governments coordinate their responses on Palestinian representation and steps toward a negotiated settlement.
The Liberal Democrats say the prime minister must use the high-profile bilateral meeting with President Trump to press for Palestinian access to international diplomacy. Downing Street has been approached for comment on whether Sir Keir will raise the issue and on the prospect of seeking a change of venue for the UN meeting if visas are not restored.