"we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace"
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK now officially recognises Palestine as a state, marking a pivotal diplomatic shift in Britain’s foreign policy.
In a video message on X, he said: “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”
The move came as Canada and Australia also recognised Palestinian statehood on September 21, ahead of the UN General Assembly conference in New York. It signals a major moment in Britain’s historical involvement in the Middle East.
Starmer said: “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.
“That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither.”
The announcement follows worsening conditions in Gaza, where the death toll continues to climb.
Humanitarian agencies report severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter for civilians trapped in the conflict.
An updated map on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website now labels the West Bank and Gaza as ‘Palestine’ instead of the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’. The change has been rolled out across government webpages.
Sir Keir had said in July that the government would recognise Palestine unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and allowed the UN to restart humanitarian aid deliveries. Recognition has now been enacted based on 1967 borders.
According to the UK government, those borders will be finalised in future negotiations. Palestine would be represented by a “reformed Palestinian Authority”, with the UK acknowledging “all legal rights and obligations of statehood”.
Starmer also repeated strong criticism of Israel: “The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
The Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza report more than 65,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its offensive after the October 7 attacks. Casualty figures remain disputed but humanitarian concerns continue to grow.
Starmer said: “This death and destruction horrifies all of us. It must end.
“Ordinary people, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to live in peace. To try to rebuild their lives free from violence and suffering.
“That’s what the British people desperately want to see.”
But Starmer warned that the possibility of a Palestinian state was in jeopardy:
“With the actions of Hamas, the Israeli government escalating the conflict, and settlement building being accelerated in the West Bank, the hope of a two-state solution is fading, but we cannot let that light go out.”
He stressed the UK is working with international partners to preserve prospects for peace.
“That is why we are building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond, around our framework for peace.”
The Prime Minister described this as a “practical plan” to unite global powers behind a “common vision”.
He said it would move from an immediate ceasefire in Gaza towards renewed negotiations on a lasting two-state solution, pledging:
“We will keep driving this forward.”
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