Keir Starmer to officially announce Britain will recognise Palestinian statehood

Keir Starmer will today announce Britain will recognise Palestinian statehood.

The PM is expected to make the announcement on Sunday, after promising to do so in July if the situation in Gaza did not improve.

It's understood Downing Street now believe the situation has worsened significantly, and the images of violence, starvation and suffering are intolerable.

The announcement will come ahead of a formal recognition to the United Nations by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy on Monday.

In July, Mr Starmer demanded Hamas immediately release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that it will play no part in the government of Gaza.

It's understood these demands have not changed.

Reports earlier this week suggested No10 had "held off" on making the announcement until after Donald Trump's state visit - something Mr Starmer denied at a press conference at Chequers on Thursday.

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And asked whether recognition would be seen as a "reward" for Hamas, Mr Starmer said, firmly: "Hamas is a terrorist organisation who can have no part in the future governance of Palestine.

"What happened on 7 October was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel. I understand the psychological impact that had across Israel, so I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas.

"Hamas of course don't want a two-state solution, they don't want peace, they don't want a ceasefire. I'm very clear where I stand on Hamas."

He added: "On the question of recognition, I made my position clear as to the timing, which has got nothing to do with this state visit, and I've discussed it with the president as you would expect with two leaders who respect each other and like each other."