In a legal opinion obtained by The Telegraph, Prof. Malcolm Shaw KC — one of Britain’s most senior experts in international law — argued that the move would “create a troublesome precedent” and could “ultimately destabilize an international system founded upon a common understanding of what it is to be a state.”
The opinion was circulated among top members of the British government, including the prime minister, attorney general and senior Labour figures. It was commissioned by Labour peer Lord Mendelsohn in response to Starmer’s announcement that the United Kingdom would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions.
His legal opinion adds to growing opposition within Britain’s legal community. This week, 40 members of the House of Lords — including prominent jurists Lord Pannick KC and Lady Deech, both patrons of UK Lawyers for Israel — issued a joint warning that the government’s recognition plan would be unlawful. While Lord Hermer is said to have rejected those conclusions, Shaw’s opinion adds further weight to critics urging Starmer to reconsider.
Protests continued in the UK over the weekend. On Saturday, members of the activist group Youth Demand blocked roads in central London, calling for an immediate trade embargo on Israel. Meanwhile, Labour MPs critical of Starmer’s recognition plan reportedly clashed with his national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, during a heated meeting last Thursday.
