LONDON (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, marking a historic change in British foreign policy, largely symbolic but deeply significant. The decision comes soon after Canada and Australia made similar recognitions of Palestinian statehood.
British PM Sir Keir Starmer has announced the historic recognition of Palestine as an independent state. pic.twitter.com/fl8vopbE8m
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) September 21, 2025
Mr Starmer said the move is intended to revive hope for a two-state solution amid increasing conflict in Gaza and perceived erosion of Palestinian rights under occupation. He emphasised that recognition does not mean capitulation to Hamas or compromise on peace.
The UK intends to upgrade the Palestinian Mission in London to full embassy status and may impose bans on products produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. The gesture has provoked criticism from Israel and the United States, which both warn that formal recognition alone may not change realities on the ground.
Starmer’s announcement follows a July ultimatum that Israel must meet certain conditions including a ceasefire, refraining from annexation in the West Bank, and allowing humanitarian aid. The UK has said that over 140 countries already recognise Palestine.∎
