Foreign Secretary David Lammy says the UK plans to recognise a Palestinian state by September — but only if Israel agrees to a ceasefire and revives the long-stalled two-state solution.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Lammy expressed hope that the decision would impact the situation on the ground in Gaza, which he described as “the most horrific scenes the world has seen.”
“It is my sincere hope that today’s decision leads to a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” Lammy said during a BBC interview. “The suffering of the Palestinian people must end.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK would formally recognise the State of Palestine unless Israel meets three key conditions:
- A ceasefire in Gaza
- A halt to plans for annexing the West Bank
- The revival of a viable two-state peace process
The statement also included a clear demand for Hamas to release all hostages, sign a ceasefire, disarm, and accept exclusion from future governance of Gaza.
Backlash from Israel and Hostage Families
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s plan as a reward for Hamas, calling it “appeasement” and warning that “a jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow.”
British-Israeli hostage survivor Emily Damari, who spent 15 months in captivity, also criticized the UK’s move, calling it a “moral failure” that sends the wrong message — that violence leads to recognition.
A group of lawyers representing families of 10 British-linked hostages echoed similar concerns, fearing that the decision could reduce Hamas’ incentive to negotiate.
Growing Political Pressure on Starmer
Starmer’s Labour government has faced mounting international and domestic pressure to recognise Palestine. France recently joined Ireland, Spain, and Norway in confirming plans to grant recognition in September.
More than 255 MPs, including over half of Labour’s caucus, signed a letter calling for immediate recognition. Labour MP Sarah Champion, who led the effort, welcomed the announcement but expressed concern that recognition remains conditional. “Recognition is about self-determination, not a bargaining chip,” she said.
Opposition Reactions
While some praised the move, others heavily criticised it.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed it as “political posturing at its worst.”
- Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf said it “trivialises” the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said recognition should’ve happened “months ago” and warned against using it as a political tool.
The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The UK’s announcement comes amid dire warnings from UN-backed experts about famine in Gaza, with aid agencies reporting mass starvation and dire shortages of medical supplies.
Since the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken, the Israeli military has launched a relentless campaign in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 60,000 Palestinians have since been killed.
