The United Kingdom has officially recognised the State of Palestine — a historic move aimed at safeguarding the possibility of a two-state solution and creating a pathway to lasting peace for
both Israelis and Palestinians.
The announcement was made on 21 September 2025 by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, with the backing of Prime Minister \[Name]. The decision was coordinated with close allies Canada and Australia, forming part of a wider international effort to uphold the rights of both peoples and protect the fragile prospect of peace.
Why now
The recognition comes at a moment of deep crisis. Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank is accelerating. Hamas still holds hostages. In July, the Prime Minister warned that if the situation did not improve, the UK would act. He now argues that Britain has a moral duty to do everything possible to keep hope for peace alive.
Two states, one future
The government’s position is clear: the only viable route to peace is two states — Israel secure and sovereign, alongside a reformed Palestinian Authority governing a free and viable Palestine.
Recognition, ministers stressed, is rooted in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination. It honours a long-standing manifesto pledge and mirrors the UK’s earlier recognition of Israel in 1950.
“This is not about Hamas,” the Prime Minister said. “They are a terrorist group committed to destroying Israel. Our decision is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. We demand they release all hostages, accept they will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.”
The UK will also impose further sanctions on senior Hamas figures in the coming weeks.
Holding both sides accountable
London has reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security. But it has also urged the Israeli government to change course — to halt its offensive in Gaza, stop illegal settlement expansion, and allow vital humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“Today’s historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Recognition is an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat. Two states is the only way to safeguard long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
We are clear that Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future - they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states. They must release the hostages and relinquish any hold on Gaza. But Hamas are not the Palestinian people.
Recognition is only one part of what must be a stronger and wider push for peace. We need to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to all those who desperately need it. That requires not just an immediate ceasefire, but a plan for a durable peace, which will be a key to my diplomatic drive at the UN this week”.
Beyond recognition
The government acknowledges that recognition alone will not change realities on the ground. That is why it forms part of a broader international plan: a Framework for Peace that covers governance reform, security arrangements, humanitarian access, ceasefire monitoring, and the foundations of a lasting two-state solution.
The UK will continue to support Palestinian Authority reforms, including elections promised within a year of a ceasefire. Technical and financial assistance will also continue, led by UK Envoy Sir Michael Barber to strengthen governance and state-building.
“This is just the first step,” the Prime Minister said. “What matters now is building the peace to follow.” Photo by Joi Ito, Wikimedia commons.
