The United Kingdom formally recognised the State of Palestine on September 21, 2025, a landmark decision announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The move places the UK alongside over 150 other countries that have recognised Palestine and is being presented as a decisive step to preserve the prospect of peace and a two-state solution amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message, Starmer emphasised that the recognition "is not a reward for Hamas," asserting that the militant group would have "no future, no role in government, no role in security." He condemned the "starvation and devastation" in Gaza as "utterly intolerable" and described the "death and destruction" as horrifying.

The Prime Minister framed the recognition as "a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future," underscoring his call for a genuine two-state solution as the antithesis of Hamas's "hateful vision." Starmer also noted meetings with British families of hostages held by Hamas, acknowledging their ongoing suffering.

The UK’s recognition was part of a broader international effort. Canada and Australia also formally recognised Palestine on September 21. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged "partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future," while Australia’s Anthony Albanese described it as part of a "coordinated effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution."

Portugal had previously recognised Palestine, with Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel reaffirming that the two-state solution remains "the only path to a just and lasting peace." France is reportedly expected to follow suit.

The decision has drawn sharp domestic and international criticism. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, condemned the recognition as "absolutely disastrous." In response to Starmer’s announcement, Badenoch argued it rewards terrorism without placing conditions on Hamas, leaving hostages trapped in Gaza and failing to alleviate civilian suffering.

She criticised the Labour government for focusing on "discredited student union campaigns" and left-wing policies, including Palestinian recognition, amid ongoing challenges with the National Health Service, youth employment, and immigration. Badenoch predicted long-term regret for Britain, accusing the Prime Minister of having "no plan for the country and no judgement."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also vehemently criticised the UK, Canada, and Australia, calling their actions "rewarding terror with an enormous prize." He reaffirmed Israel’s refusal to permit the creation of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, citing national security concerns. Netanyahu emphasised that he had resisted significant domestic and international pressure for Palestinian statehood and confirmed the continued expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli and US officials described the recognition as a diplomatic victory for Hamas following its October 7, 2023, attack.

In contrast, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s decision, calling it a step toward enabling "the state of Palestine to live side by side with the state of Israel in security, peace and good neighbourliness." Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin described the coordinated recognitions as a major advance toward sovereignty and independence.

The UK Foreign Office stated that recognition is based on provisional borders following the 1967 lines, with future land swaps to be negotiated. The envisioned two-state solution foresees an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. While approximately 75% of UN member states recognise Palestine, it currently lacks internationally defined borders, a capital, or a formal army, rendering recognition largely symbolic. Starmer had previously set a recognition deadline contingent on Israel taking substantive steps toward peace, including a ceasefire and sustainable resolution; however, peace efforts remain stalled amid ongoing conflict and collapsing ceasefire negotiations.