By Dayo Ade Olusola, M10News, 21 September 2025
The United Kingdom has officially recognised Palestine as an independent state, a move Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as essential to reviving hopes for peace in the Middle East.
Announcing the decision on X, Starmer said recognition was a step toward keeping alive the possibility of a two-state solution. “Britain now formally recognises the State of Palestine,” he said, stressing that the aim was to ensure a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian homeland.
The announcement comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with tens of thousands of people killed and living conditions deteriorating. Starmer argued that recognition was necessary in the face of escalating violence.
Britain joins Canada and Australia, which confirmed similar recognition earlier this week ahead of a scheduled UN General Assembly debate in New York. The coordinated actions mark a significant moment in Western engagement with the conflict.
Starmer noted that the UK’s recognition is grounded in the 1967 borders, which would be subject to future negotiations, and would require leadership by a “reformed Palestinian Authority.” The move also acknowledges all the rights and obligations that come with statehood.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its official materials to label the West Bank and Gaza as “Palestine” rather than the “Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
Reaction to the announcement has been sharply divided. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it “absolutely disastrous,” warning that it amounted to rewarding terrorism without demanding concessions from Hamas.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, voiced similar criticism, arguing that Britain’s decision would embolden Hamas and fail to bring peace.
By contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the recognition as “long overdue” and said it must be followed by urgent steps to secure a ceasefire and build momentum for a lasting settlement.
Starmer insisted that the recognition should not be interpreted as a concession to Hamas. He emphasised that the militant group could have “no role in government or security” in a future Palestinian state and revealed plans to sanction Hamas figures in the coming weeks.
The prime minister repeated his demand for Hamas to release Israeli hostages captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks, describing the anguish of families he has met.
At the same time, Starmer directed criticism at Israel, condemning the scale of its military operations in Gaza. He said the relentless bombardment and deprivation of civilians was “intolerable” and had contributed to the staggering death toll, reported at more than 65,000 by local health officials.
“The devastation horrifies us all. It must stop,” he declared.
The Labour leader stressed that ordinary Palestinians and Israelis alike deserved to rebuild their lives free from violence.
He warned, however, that the prospect of a two-state solution was at risk of disappearing due to ongoing fighting and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Starmer argued that Britain’s move was designed to help restore hope, prevent further collapse of diplomacy, and rally international consensus around a framework for peace.
“This is a practical step,” he said, “to move from ceasefire talks in Gaza toward serious negotiations on a two-state solution. We will keep pressing forward with this vision.”
