UK to Recognise Palestinian State, Breaking Decades of Policy

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce Sunday that the UK will formally recognise a Palestinian state — a dramatic policy shift long resisted by successive governments.Starmer had vowed in July to act this September unless Israel agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and a credible path to a two-state solution. Ministers now argue Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank and mounting violence leave no time to wait.The recognition of a Palestinian state is a consequence of the serious expansion we’re seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence … and plans like the E1 development,” said Justice Secretary David Lammy.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the pledge during a London visit earlier this month, with both sides agreeing Hamas would have no role in future governance.Israel fiercely opposes the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a reward for terror,” while families of Hamas hostages and UK Conservative ...

• 21 Sep 2025