UK Formally Recognises Palestinian State in Landmark Foreign Policy Shift

Keir Starmer X

Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine via X.

The UK has formally recognised the state of Palestine, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed in a video address on Sunday, marking one of the most significant foreign policy shifts in recent decades.

The move, announced ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, aligns Britain with Australia and Canada, which also declared recognition this week. Portugal and France are expected to follow in the coming days, signalling growing Western momentum behind the long-discussed two-state solution.

Starmer said the decision was motivated by “the growing horror in the Middle East” and the urgent need to preserve the prospect of peace.

“In the face of the devastation in Gaza, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. This is not a reward for Hamas,” the prime minister stressed, adding that the militant group could have “no role in government or security.”

Israeli Anger and International Division

The announcement sparked immediate condemnation from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “huge reward for terrorism” and reiterated that a Palestinian state “will not happen.” Israeli officials argued that recognition only emboldens Hamas following its October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and left over 250 hostages.

However, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the move, calling it a “pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.” He praised the UK’s letter of confirmation as a step towards a state “living side by side with Israel in peace and good neighbourliness.”

Canada and Australia Emphasize Peace.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the step as a foundation for “a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel.” At the same time, Australian leader Anthony Albanese framed it as “part of a coordinated effort to build new momentum for peace.”

Together with the UK, both governments argued that recognition reinforces the principle of a two-state solution, a Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the 1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps.

What Happens Next

Recognition is not expected to alter conditions immediately, but it will intensify pressure on Israel and the US as the international community gathers at the UN. For Palestinians, the symbolic act reaffirms their long-standing claim to statehood.

“Symbols matter in diplomacy,” one senior Middle East analyst said. “This recognition may not redraw borders, but it keeps the two-state solution alive at a time when it is closer to disappearing than ever before.”

— Reported by Orbital News
Credit: UK PM Keir Starmer & Canada PM Mark Carney.

Mark Carney, Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine via X.