In a historic foreign policy shift, the United Kingdom has formally recognised the State of Palestine, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer declaring it a step towards reviving hopes for peace in the Middle East.
Addressing journalists in London on Sunday, Starmer 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 announcement marks a dramatic change in Britain’s long-standing position on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which had until now tied official recognition to the outcome of peace negotiations. Starmer emphasised that the decision was made to give fresh impetus to the stalled peace process and to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to international law, justice and human rights.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the UK will begin the process of establishing full bilateral relations with Palestine, including the exchange of ambassadors, while continuing to maintain strong ties with Israel.
The recognition is expected to send ripples across the international community, potentially influencing other Western nations that have hesitated to make the same move. Already, over 140 UN member states recognise Palestinian statehood, but the UK’s declaration carries significant symbolic and geopolitical weight as one of the world’s major powers and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Human rights organisations and pro-Palestinian groups welcomed the announcement as a long-overdue step towards justice and equality. However, it is likely to draw criticism from the Israeli government, which has previously argued that unilateral recognition undermines direct negotiations.
Starmer insisted that the UK’s recognition is not a rejection of Israel but an affirmation of the principle that both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security within recognised borders. He reaffirmed Britain’s support for Israel’s right to exist and its security concerns, but stressed that the cycle of conflict cannot be broken without giving Palestinians a legitimate political horizon.
The move places Britain at the forefront of renewed international efforts to push for a two-state solution.amid growing global pressure to address the decades-long conflict.