The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state but emphasized that the immediate focus should be on ending the ongoing

conflict in Gaza and securing a ceasefire.

British science and technology minister Peter Kyle stated on Friday that while the UK remains committed to a two-state solution, alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must take precedence. “We want Palestinian statehood—we desire it,” Kyle told Sky News. “But right now, today, we’ve got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today.”

Successive UK governments have endorsed Palestinian statehood in principle, though none have set a clear timetable or defined the conditions for formal recognition.

The discussion over Palestinian statehood has gained momentum internationally. French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that France intends to recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. The proposal was met with criticism from both Israel and the United States.

In response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated Britain’s position, describing statehood as the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people.” He again urged for an immediate ceasefire as a necessary foundation for any long-term political solution.

Speaking during a visit to Australia, Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforced Starmer’s stance, calling the situation in Gaza “indefensible.” According to Gaza health officials, more than 100 people—many in recent weeks—have died from starvation amid the conflict.

While the UK remains aligned with key Western allies in supporting a two-state solution, British leaders continue to stress that humanitarian relief and the cessation of violence must come first. Photo by Template:Wmcu, Wikimedia commons.