Prime Minister confirms in video message that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state.
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister said the largely symbolic move was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis”.
It comes ahead of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) this week, with other nations, including Australia and Canada, making similar moves shortly before Sir Keir’s announcement. In a video message, the Prime Minister said the “moment has now arrived” to recognise a Palestinian state.
He said: “Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clear as Prime Minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.
“We recognised the State of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people.
“Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian state also.
“A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”
Sir Keir said Hamas was a “brutal terror organisation” and confirmed plans to ratchet up sanctions on the group.
“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” he added.
The UK Government has acknowledged that that move would not ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza nor contribute to the freeing of the hostages taken by Hamas.
Sir Keir said in July he would recognise Palestine ahead of the gathering of world leaders at UNGA if Israel did not take “substantive steps” towards peace in Gaza.
Tory shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel accused Sir Keir of “capitulating” to Labour backbenchers on the issue.
She said: “With the terrorist organisation Hamas still holding hostages in barbaric conditions and glorifying acts of terror, Starmer is sending a dangerous message, where violence and extremism are tolerated and rewarded.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: X)
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage added: “Hamas and a Palestinian state are inseparable for now. This is typical of Starmer, he can’t really decide where he stands.
“Whatever the caveats in his statement, this announcement is a surrender to terrorism and a betrayal of Israel.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded the move “absurd” and “simply a reward for terrorism”.
The families of some of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack had urged the Prime Minister not to go ahead with recognition.
In an open letter to Sir Keir, they said: “Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones.
“Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal.
“We write to you with a simple plea – do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”
Donald Trump has said that the US is opposed to recognising a Palestinian state.
Speaking during his state visit to Britain last week, the US President said he has “a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score”.
