The United Kingdom has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced. The move, described as symbolic, is intended to demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to peace in the Middle East and to advance the possibility of a two-state solution.
Canada and Australia also issued similar declarations ahead of the United Nations General Assembly conference in New York. More than 150 countries, including France, are expected to have recognised Palestine by the end of next week.
Leader’s Comments
Starmer emphasised that the decision was not a concession to Hamas, stating that the group would have no role in any future Palestinian government. He announced that further UK sanctions against Hamas leaders would follow, while reiterating that the release of all Israeli hostages remained a priority.
The UK recognition is provisional and based on 1967 borders, paving the way for full diplomatic relations, including an upgrade of the Palestinian mission in London to ambassadorial status. Palestinian representative Husam Zomlot welcomed the step as “an irreversible move towards justice, peace and the correction of historic wrongs.” (Zomlot, 2025)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the decision, calling it “absurd” and “a reward for terrorism.” Israel’s foreign ministry issued a statement rejecting the recognition, warning that it could destabilise the region and reduce the prospects of a peaceful resolution.
The United States has rejected the UK’s move. Meanwhile, Australia and Canada clarified that their recognition was tied to Palestinian Authority-led governance and did not legitimise Hamas.
The decision occurs amid continuing humanitarian deterioration in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have been reported killed during Israel’s military campaign. Starmer criticised the humanitarian situation, citing starvation and devastation, and described it as “utterly intolerable.”
UK officials acknowledged that recognition would not bring immediate changes but described it as part of efforts to keep alive the possibility of a two-state solution. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN, underlined that recognition was largely symbolic, but stated that waiting for “perfect conditions” was not viable.
Reference
Wintour, P., Walker, P., & Crerar, P. (2025, September 22). UK recognises state of Palestine to ‘keep alive’ the possibility of peace. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/21/uk-recognises-palestine-as-an-independent-state