Hundreds of Muslim organisations across the UK have come together in a powerful call to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asking him to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state and to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

On Tuesday, 29th April 2025, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) delivered this urgent message to 10 Downing Street, reflecting the deep pain and concern felt by British Muslims about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The letter is backed by a wide range of Muslim community groups, including mosques, charities, schools, and community councils, representing Muslims from across the country. Shamsi Design counted 422 such signatories on the letter.

The letter outlined the horrifying scale of the suffering in Gaza. Since October 2023, around 51,000 people have been killed in the region, with UNICEF reporting the deaths of at least 15,000 children.

Over one million children have been displaced, and many face serious physical and emotional trauma.

Dr Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the MCB, "We urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to show moral leadership and act swiftly. Britain has an opportunity to lead international efforts towards ending this conflict and recognising Palestinian statehood."

In just five weeks, 322 more children have been killed and more than 600 injured. The letter calls for four clear actions: official recognition of Palestinian statehood, a ceasefire and safe return of all hostages, unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a stop to arms exports to Israel.

Dr Wajid Akhter also said, ‘We are at a watershed moment as events in Gaza intensify, with more innocent lives lost each day.’

He also noted that countries such as ‘Spain, Norway and many other European nations’ have already taken steps towards recognising Palestine, and urged Britain to follow.

The full statement of Muslim Council Britain, the letter and the names of all the signatories can be read here