Starmer announces UK recognition of Palestinian state

Australia and Canada also announced formal recognition, with Portugal expected to follow.

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In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution."

Australia and Canada also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine, with Portugal expected to follow.

The decision has drawn fierce criticism from the Israeli government, families of hostages held in Gaza and some Conservatives. Recognition "would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

Both the Israeli and US governments say recognition is a diplomatic gift for Hamas following its attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023 in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.