UK formally recognises Palestinian state2 days ago Share Save Harry Farley political correspondent, and Jessica Rawnsley Share SaveWatch: Starmer says UK recognises Palestinian stateSir Keir Starmer has announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy. Australia, Canada and Portugal also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine, with France expected to follow. Responding on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a Palestinian state "will not happen". "Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of [Hamas's] hateful vision," he said. Reacting to UK recognition, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move "absolutely disastrous", adding: "Rewarding terrorism with no conditions whatsoever put in place for Hamas."