UK to recognise Palestine as a state in September - unless Israel meets conditions
The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September - unless Israel meets certain conditions.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement, saying the UK will recognise a Palestinian state by the UN general assembly in September unless Israel meets several conditions.
They are:
• Israel takes substantive steps to end the "appalling situation in Gaza"
• Israel agrees to a ceasefire
• Israel commits to a long-term sustainable peace - reviving the prospect of a two-state solution
• Israel must allow the UN to restart the supply of aid
• There must be no annexations in the West Bank.
The UK follows France, which recently said it would also recognise Palestine as a state before the UN conference in September.
Ireland, Spain and Norway all officially recognised a Palestinian state last year.
Britain has long maintained that recognising Palestine as a state must be on condition of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
More than 200 MPs, including Labour chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee Emily Thornberry, have called on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to immediately recognise a Palestinian state.
However, Sir Keir Starmer had previously indicated he would not budge on the issue, saying he "very strongly" believes the only long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict is a two-state solution.
Other Labour ministers had said recognising Palestine as a state would undermine Britain's position as an impartial broker in the war.
Ministers have previously said they were committed to recognising a Palestinian state but would only do so "at a time that is most conducive to the peace process".
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Just before last summer's election, Sir Keir said recognising Palestine as a state could jeopardise the UK's relationship with the US.
The US, under Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, have maintained a veto policy when it comes to recognising a Palestinian state at the UN Security Council.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.