On Monday, David Lammy will inform MPs that the UK still plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September, as Israel has shown no sign of meeting the government’s conditions.
In a statement to the Commons, the foreign secretary will say that officials are preparing to formally assess whether Israel has complied with the tests set by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continuing to take a harder line on Gaza and the West Bank, Lammy will confirm that Britain intends to proceed with recognition.
A UK official stated: “We will consider all relevant factors, but as things stand, we are on track to recognise Palestine later in September.”
Earlier in August, Starmer said the UK would recognise Palestine before the UN General Assembly begins on 9 September, unless Israel met a series of preconditions. The prime minister made this announcement after speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who has said France also plans to recognise Palestine at the UN meeting.
Starmer also spoke with Donald Trump before making his decision. The US president indicated the US would not oppose the move, but British officials are concerned his administration might respond by recognising Israeli control over illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Starmer’s conditions for Israel include taking meaningful steps to end the war in Gaza, agreeing to a ceasefire, and committing not to annex parts of the West Bank. Instead of moving toward these demands, however, Netanyahu appears to be edging closer to violating them.
Reuters reported that Israel is considering annexation in the West Bank if France, the UK, and other countries proceed with recognising Palestine. Israeli officials confirmed the topic was on the agenda for Netanyahu’s cabinet meeting on Sunday but gave no details on timing or location.
The Foreign Office has just over a week to complete its formal assessment of Israel’s position. Senior government officials say the timing of British recognition is influenced less by this process and more by diplomatic considerations, particularly the desire to act in coordination with France.
On Sunday, Lammy described the humanitarian situation in Gaza—where UN-backed experts recently declared a famine—as a “man-made catastrophe” caused by Israel’s refusal to allow aid deliveries.
The UN panel stated that more than half a million people are living in famine conditions, which are expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
Lammy said in a statement: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls suffering the most. The UK is doing everything possible to help, but we are clear: for aid to make a difference, Israel must ensure it can enter and be delivered safely to civilians in desperate need.”
The government also announced an additional £3 million on Sunday to provide midwives and emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. However, it stressed that this aid will only reach those in need if Israel allows significantly greater humanitarian access to the region.
Lammy added: “This funding can only achieve its full impact if the Israeli government permits it. Israel must ensure the protection of civilians, including healthcare staff and medical infrastructure.”and facilitate the delivery of life-saving medicines, medical equipment, and healthcare supplies into Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the UKs position on recognizing a Palestinian state as announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy
General Beginner Questions
1 What is the UKs new position on recognizing a Palestinian state
The UKs new government under Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced it plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state They see this as a crucial step toward a twostate solution for lasting peace
2 What does recognizing a state actually mean
It means the UK would officially acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign and independent country allowing for formal diplomatic relations like exchanging ambassadors
3 Has the UK recognized Palestine before
No the UK has not previously granted full bilateral recognition It has supported the idea of a Palestinian state as part of a twostate solution but held off on formal recognition until it believed it would best help the peace process
4 Why is the UK doing this now
The new government believes that recognizing a Palestinian state is a necessary step to break the current deadlock reinforce a commitment to a twostate solution and help create a viable path to peace following the recent conflict in Gaza
5 Does this mean Palestine is suddenly a full country
Not exactly While UK recognition is a significant political act full statehood under international law involves broader factors like defined borders and full control of its territory which are still being negotiated
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 How does this change the UKs previous policy
The previous Conservative governments position was that recognition would come at the end of a successful peace process The new Labour government is shifting to use recognition as a tool to help accelerate that peace process not just as its end reward
7 What is the twostate solution everyone is talking about
Its a longproposed framework for peace where two states exist sidebyside Israel with secure and recognized borders and an independent State of Palestine living in peace and security
8 Will other countries follow the UKs lead
Its very possible The UK is a major power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council Its recognition could encourage other European and Western nations who have been hesitant to take the same step to reconsider their position
9 What is Israels likely reaction to this
The Israeli government has consistently
