Decision to recognise Palestine would not create a state overnight: U.K. Deputy PM

Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister said on Sunday (September 21, 2025) that recognising a Palestinian state would not bring one into existence “overnight”, stressing that recognition must be part of a broader peace process.

“Any step to recognise it is because we wish to keep alive the prospects of a two-state solution,” David Lammy told Sky News, adding that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be making a decision on recognising a Palestinian state later on Sunday (September 21).

Mr. Starmer said in July that Britain would recognise Palestine unless Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas, let more aid into Gaza, made clear there would be no annexation of the West Bank, and committed to a peace process delivering a “two-state solution” – a Palestinian state co-existing alongside Israel.

“Since that announcement in July, in fact, with the attack on Qatar, a ceasefire at this point lays in tatters, and the prospects are bleak,” Mr. Lammy said, adding that Israel had also moved forward with a settlement plan.