UK Considers Recognising State Of Palestine Following France’s Lead.
The United Kingdom is exploring the possibility of recognising the State of Palestine, a move that follows France’s announcement to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This development signals a potential shift in British foreign policy, aligning with growing international momentum towards supporting a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that discussions are underway with France and other international partners, including Saudi Arabia, regarding the recognition of Palestine at a UN conference scheduled for June 2025. The conference, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to advance peace talks by encouraging mutual recognition, with some Middle Eastern states potentially recognising Israel in return. Lammy emphasised that the UK would consider recognition at a moment when it could have a tangible impact on peace efforts, rather than as a purely symbolic gesture. He noted the “shocking” expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which he described as undermining the viability of a two-state solution.
The UK’s consideration comes after France’s historic decision, announced by President Emmanuel Macron, to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, making it the first G7 nation to take such a step. Macron’s move, intended to foster peace and pressure Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza, has been praised by the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia but met with criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it a “reward for terror.” The UK’s potential recognition, alongside France, would mark a significant moment, as both are permanent members of the UN Security Council, amplifying the diplomatic weight of such a decision.
While the UK has historically supported a two-state solution, it has maintained that recognition of Palestine should occur at an opportune time within peace negotiations. However, recent statements from Lammy and posts on X from Labour MPs, including Stella Creasy, indicate growing domestic pressure to act swiftly. Nearly 60 Labour MPs have urged the Foreign Office to recognise Palestine immediately, citing concerns over Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. This shift in tone follows a 2014 House of Commons vote in favour of recognition, though it was non-binding and not acted upon by the government.
The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the UK’s deliberations, with Ambassador Husam Zomlot describing it as a “step towards justice.” However, challenges remain, including opposition from Israel, which has warned of potential West Bank annexation in response to unilateral recognitions. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has also expressed caution, advocating for recognition only through direct negotiations. Despite these hurdles, the UK’s engagement reflects a broader European trend, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway having recognised Palestine in 2024, bringing the total to 147 UN member states.
As the June 2025 conference approaches, the UK’s decision could play a pivotal role in shaping the Middle East peace process. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated support for a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, underscoring the need for a political framework free from Hamas’s influence in Gaza. The international community watches closely as Britain weighs this historic step, which could bolster efforts for a lasting and just resolution.
