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UK, Canada and Australia announce formal recognition of Palestinian state | BBC News

2025-09-21 News & Politics
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UK Formally Recognizes Palestinian State Amidst International Coordination

The UK officially recognizes Palestine as a state to reignite peace hopes, joining allies Canada and Australia in a coordinated diplomatic push against the deteriorating situation on the ground.

Short Summary

  • The UK formally recognized Palestine, making Keir Starmer the first G7 leader to do so, contingent on reviving the two-state solution.
  • Canada and Australia made simultaneous announcements, creating powerful international symbolism against Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • Netanyahu criticized the move as rewarding terrorism, while Palestinian leaders welcomed recognition but demanded immediate sanctions on Israel to enforce change.
  • The timing is linked to unmet demands regarding Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements, though critics also point to domestic political considerations.

This broadcast details the timing and motivations behind the UK's major foreign policy shift regarding Palestine, presenting reactions from Israeli and Palestinian leadership, and analyzing the diplomatic landscape involving the US and potential required next steps at the UN.

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Description

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK now formally recognises a Palestinian state. "Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly - as prime minister of this great country - that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine," he said in a video statement. Earlier, Canada became the first G7 nation to make the move, closely followed by Australia. Keir Starmer's deputy, David Lammy, earlier defended the move - telling the BBC "now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution". Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has previously opposed countries recognising Palestinian statehood, saying it "rewards Hamas terror" and "hardens" the group's "refusal to free hostages". Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #Palestine #Israel #UK #BBCNews

Top Comments (10)

@isolationnationn 2025-09-21

"While we refuse to help him, we recognise that the drowning man is indeed a real person."

2.0k 161 replies
@limingyang2479 2025-09-21

DO NOT just talk, DO something first

879 52 replies
@jonen2 2025-09-21

A peaceful two-state solution could have been begun over 100 years ago. Both UK and USA could have done so much more to help develop peace. The world is so sad to see what has happened.

424 71 replies
@AhmedMahmoudAMH 2025-09-21

Arabs and Jews have lived in these lands for hundreds of years. No point of trying to cancel each other out. It's just stupid. I hope one day all people in these lands can live peacefully with equal rights and access to their holy lands.

392 96 replies
@MartianTom 2025-09-21

More symbolism and empty words. This is like saying to someone being beaten up 'I'm on your side' whilst continuing to watch them being beaten up. Starmer began his statement with the phrase 'We are acting...' Precisely. It's performance. Nothing more.

272 14 replies
@Bauks 2025-09-21

My dudes... Gaza is done... BiBi is on his last push and we missed our last chance to stop them. This is the equivianlt of another strongly worded letter. Good job guys you really helped :/

232 34 replies
@TheChrisdonoghue 2025-09-21

It's a bit late. gaza is just rubble now. Just words to make us feel like we were not complicit .

86 11 replies
@ItsJonesTheCat 2025-09-21

But he can t recognise the state of the UK economy 🤷

46 2 replies
@sawati355 2025-09-21

Why is there defeaning silence from the Arab states? Why are they not doing more to end the relentless bloodshed and suffering in Gaza?

43 27 replies
@Bing-b8j 2025-09-21

Doesn’t mean it change anything

18 2 replies

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