By Jamie Shapiro

Copyright thejc

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to formally announce the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend after US President Trump departs following his state visit. The two leaders are meeting today at Chequers as part of Trump’s UK trip and The Times has reported that Starmer is holding the announcement, which is fiercely opposed by Washington, to avoid the news dominating their upcoming news conference at Chequers this afternoon. The prime minister confirmed back in July that his government would press ahead with recognition in time for next week’s UN General Assembly meeting unless Israel met several conditions. These, he said, were “[To] agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace”, “revive the prospect of a two-state solution,” “allow the UN to restart the supply of aid” and ruling out any annexation of the West Bank. This drew condemnation from Israel’s supporters, who pointed out that no conditions were placed upon Hamas to secure recognition, with the terror group still holding more than 40 hostages. But Starmer’s decision to wait until Trump leaves has been criticised by Labour backbencher Rosena Allin-Khan, who has called on the prime minister to make discussing the situation in Gaza with Trump a “top priority”. Other countries, including Australia and Canada are also expected to recognise Palestine at the UN meeting next week. In a joint statement with its Australian and Canadian counterparts, the Board of Deputies said: “We are gravely concerned that our governments’ announced intentions to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN this month are seen by Hamas as a reward for its violence and rejectionism towards Israel, and these announcements have therefore lessened rather than maximised pressure for the hostages’ release and for Hamas to disarm. “Indeed, Hamas has welcomed our governments’ declarations of an intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN later this month as the ‘fruits of October 7’. “Extremists have answered their call for escalations in global violence by carrying out brutal assaults on Jews – citizens of each of our countries. For the sake of a better future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider Middle East, it is imperative to avoid serving this agenda. “Recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas remains armed and in control of territory would also be a betrayal of the Palestinians who remain under Hamas’s control and have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to being ruled by a terrorist organisation.”