Foreign Secretary David Lammy will tell MPs on Monday that the UK intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s earlier announcement. Lammy is expected to state that a formal assessment of Israel’s compliance with UK demands will be carried out in the coming days.
The decision comes amid continued hardening of Israeli positions on Gaza and the West Bank. Starmer had set preconditions for Israel, including substantive steps to end the war in Gaza, agreeing a ceasefire, and not annexing parts of the West Bank. However, reports suggest Israel may consider annexation if European countries push ahead with recognition.
A UK official noted that, as things stand, the country is on a pathway to recognition later in September, before the UN General Assembly. The timing is driven partly by diplomatic coordination with France, which also intends to recognise Palestine at the UN meeting.
Lammy also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as a “man-made catastrophe” caused by Israel’s refusal to allow aid deliveries. He reiterated that the UK is doing all it can to improve conditions, but stressed that Israel must enable safe and secure delivery of aid to civilians.
The government has announced an additional £3 million for midwives and emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza, but Lammy emphasised that this funding will only have maximum impact if Israel allows greater humanitarian access.
