SaralnamaSir Keir Starmer has announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy. In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution." Australia and Canada also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine on Sunday, with Portugal expected to follow. The decision has drawn fierce criticism from the Israeli government, families of hostages held in Gaza and some Conservatives. Recognition "would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. Both the Israeli and US governments say recognition is a diplomatic gift for Hamas following its attack in southern Israel on in which… (Updated 21 Sep 2025, 19:23 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy
- In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution." Australia and Canada also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine on Sunday, with Portugal expected to follow
- The decision has drawn fierce criticism from the Israeli government, families of hostages held in Gaza and some Conservatives