Why Starmer decided the time was right to recognise a Palestinian state

"In July, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and under growing pressure from his own MPs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer decided that time was now. He announced the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, unless Israel met certain conditions. Those included agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution."

"Recognition of a Palestinian state has long been a Labour manifesto promise. Back in 2014, Ed Miliband, the Labour leader at the time, backed a non-binding motion to do so in the Commons. Now in government, this is undeniably a significant shift in British foreign policy. The decision came after mounting calls from Labour MPs, with more than half the parliamentary party signing a letter demanding the government immediately recognise a Palestinian state."

"Downing Street knew the conditions were unlikely to be met, with the current Israeli government strongly opposed to progressing towards a two-state solution. Sources inside the Foreign Office when the decision was made insist it will be a galvanising moment, which will have an impact on the ground. But even they admit it would be disingenuous to pretend domestic politics was not a factor."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel fails to meet specified conditions. The conditions include agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution. Downing Street acknowledged the conditions were unlikely to be met given the current Israeli government's opposition to progressing towards a two-state solution. Sources inside the Foreign Office said recognition will be a galvanising moment with an impact on the ground, while also acknowledging domestic political pressure influenced the decision. The move fulfilled a long-standing Labour manifesto promise and responded to growing pressure from MPs and international calls.

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