In a video message posted on X, the Prime Minister said the move was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis”.
The announcement comes ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, with other nations, including Australia and Canada, making similar moves shortly before Sir Keir’s statement.
The UK government has acknowledged that recognising a Palestinian state would not ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza nor contribute to the freeing of the hostages taken by Hamas.
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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
But the UK believes the move is necessary to safeguard the prospect of a lasting two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, with Israel existing alongside a Palestinian state.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan supports Prime Minister’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has said he fully supports the Prime Minister’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state and said it will mean “other countries have the confidence to do the same”.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Sir Sadiq explained: “It’s really important that (recognition of a Palestinian state) happens.
“For a variety of reasons. One, because it sends a message to the Israeli government, who have been acting in an outrageous manner for the last few years.
“We want a two-state solution.
Today’s the day. Your chance to come and see Oxford Street like it’s never been seen before 👀
From midday, the world’s biggest high street will be closed to traffic to host an action packed afternoon of free events and activities ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p0q8atSHvw
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) September 21, 2025
“You know, the way the Israeli government is behaving in Gaza makes that difficult, because the mere existence of Palestinian people in Gaza is very, very difficult, but also it’s really important, because what it does is it means other countries have the confidence to do the same.”
Asked how the symbolic move would affect people living in Gaza, Sir Sadiq said: “Well let’s not underestimate the importance of symbolism. I’ve spoken to people who have family in Gaza, and they know what’s happening around the world.
“It’s really important for them to understand they’re not suffering in silence. They’ve not been forgotten about. In my view, it’s now inescapable. There’s a genocide taking place in Gaza.
“It’s really important those, you know, who’ve got a voice, make sure their voices are heard.
“And I think at the UN General Assembly, countries like the UK under Keir Starmer’s decision, saying they recognise Palestine, is incredibly important.”
However, a spokeswoman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he viewed the recognition of a Palestinian state as “absurd”.
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Shosh Bedrosian told reporters: “There have been media reports suggesting the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning on announcing the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state today, a manoeuvre that Prime Minister Netanyahu has called absurd and simply a reward for terrorism.”
In an effort to counter that criticism, Sir Keir said Hamas was a “brutal terror organisation” and confirmed plans to ratchet up sanctions on the group.
“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” he said.
Bedrosian stated Hamas did not want a state alongside Israel, “they want a state instead of Israel”.
She added: “The Prime Minister has made it very clear to me that his message to nations that are taking the avenue to disregard the sheer utter chaos Hamas has thrusted Gaza into and Israel, including our soldiers, families and of course, hostages still held in Hamas captivity, that the people of Israel aren’t going to commit suicide because of the political needs of European politics.”
