The United Kingdom will officially recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The move comes amid growing pressure over the situation in Gaza, particularly from within the British Labour Party.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called his cabinet back from their summer break to approve a new plan aimed at supporting peace in the region.
The announcement after Starmer met with President Trump in Scotland. Trump said the issue wasn’t discussed but that he had no issue with Britain taking their own position.
“Ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement,” Starmer told reporters on Tuesday.
“Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, but right now, that goal is under pressure like never before.”
“I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.”
BREAKING: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK will recognise Palestine as a state by the United Nations meeting in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire.
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Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the “global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid.”
“Children are starving, and Israel’s drip feeding of aid has horrified the world,” Lammy said at the United Nations on Tuesday.
Today at the @UN I set out the UK’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine in September. 1/3 https://t.co/nAsIlqRoLb
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 29, 2025
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron similarly announced that France will recognize a Palestinian state.
“Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote.
“I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.”
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population.”
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
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