US Vice-President JD Vance has signalled disagreement with the UK over Gaza policy, including the British plan to recognise a Palestinian state, ahead of a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Kent.
Speaking before the talks on Friday, Vance said the White House had 'no plans to recognise the Palestinian state' and questioned what recognition would mean given the lack of a functional government there. The comments marked a rare note of discord in what was otherwise a convivial encounter between the two politicians, who have bonded over their Christian faith and difficult childhoods.
The meeting covered the Gaza crisis, the war in Ukraine, and US-UK trade and technology policy. Lammy urged Israel to reconsider its decision to take over Gaza City, echoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's earlier call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Vance, who is on a private holiday in the UK with his family, also repeated past criticisms of what he called a 'backslide away from conscience rights' in the West, including the UK. Lammy responded by saying political differences were part of the 'joy of living in a democracy'.
