The UK has officially recognised Palestine as a state, joining Canada and Australia in a move Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said was aimed at reviving hopes for peace and a two-state solution.
The United Kingdom has formally recognised the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Sunday, joining Canada and Australia in what he described as a step taken “in the face of the growing horror” in the Middle East.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer said in a statement on X. The recognition is based on 1967 borders, with a reformed Palestinian Authority expected to lead a future state.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move “absolutely disastrous,” while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage claimed it “rewards Hamas terrorists.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the decision as “long overdue.”
Starmer emphasised that recognition was “not a reward for Hamas” and repeated calls for hostages taken on 7 October 2023 to be released. He also urged Israel to end its “relentless bombardment of Gaza,” where the death toll has surpassed 65,000, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
“Ordinary people, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to live in peace,” he said.