‘Hypocrite' Starmer slammed for backing Palestinian statehood while handing over Chagos Islands without a fight
The Government will make the move in September if the crisis in Gaza has not ended.
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Sir Keir appeared to suggest the UK will recognise Palestine even if Hamas still holds Israeli hostages.
Forty peers have written to Attorney General Lord Hermer claiming the move is not lawful.
They said that under the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory and government to ensure contact with other nations.
It comes after the UK Government's £3.4billion deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis told Times Radio that Sir Keir stated in June that 'international law goes absolutely to the heart of his foreign policy'.
Mr Ellis added: 'It's not fine to be hypocritical about that and to say we're going to follow international law when it suits him.
"And we didn't have to give away . . . the British Indian Ocean Territory.
'That was their interpretation of following international law to its letter.'
Israel says recognising Palestine is a reward for the 'monstrous terrorism' by Hamas after the attacks on October 7, 2023 that triggered the conflict.
Starmer vows UK will recognise Palestine in weeks unless Israel ends crisis – but critics blast 'reward' for Hamas
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