UK Plans to Recognise Palestinian State as Part of Push for Two-State Solution

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to formally announce on Sunday that the United Kingdom will recognise a Palestinian state, marking a major shift in British foreign policy. The move is set to proceed despite strong opposition from Israel and unease from the United States, a key ally.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy confirmed the upcoming announcement and said the decision should be understood as a step towards a broader peace initiative aimed at achieving a two-state solution.
A number of other countries — including France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium — are also preparing to express formal support for Palestinian statehood this week during sessions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“Any step to recognise (a Palestinian state) is because we wish to keep alive the prospects of a two-state solution,” Lammy said.

No Gaza Ceasefire, Recognition Moves Ahead
In July, Starmer stated that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas, improved the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, ruled out annexing the West Bank, and committed to a viable peace process that would lead to a two-state outcome.

“Since that announcement in July, in fact, with the attack on Qatar, a ceasefire at this point lays in tatters, and the prospects are bleak,” Lammy said, adding that Israel has also advanced plans for new settlements.

Lammy questioned whether Palestinian statehood should be indefinitely delayed due to unresolved conditions.

“Do we say we have to wait for the perfect conditions before we can recognise a Palestinian state…
Do we say to them: ‘No you cannot have that Palestinian state that is your dream’?”

In response to concerns that the decision might be seen as benefiting Hamas, Lammy stressed the importance of distinguishing between the group and the wider Palestinian population.
While U.S. President Donald Trump recently voiced disagreement with Starmer’s plan, the two leaders acknowledged the need for peace and a structured path forward in the region.
With this step, the UK will join over 140 United Nations member states that have already recognised a Palestinian state. The decision carries significant symbolic weight, as Britain has historically played a central role in the establishment of Israel and has long been one of its closest partners.