UK in talks with France on recognizing Palestinian state, says Lammy

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The National
1 May 2025 22:26

The UK Foreign Secretary stresses the need for practical impact over symbolism ahead of the "two-state solution" conference.

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy adjusts his earpiece during a press conference with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Amiri Diwan Annex in Doha on April 27, 2025 (AFP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that London is engaged in talks with France over the potential recognition of a Palestinian state, as both countries prepare for a major conference in June aimed at reviving the so-called "two-state solution".

The acknowledgment marks the first public confirmation by the UK government of such diplomatic coordination, signaling a shift in London’s approach amid growing international recognition of Palestine.

Recognition discussions ahead of 'two-state solution' conference

According to The National, Lammy is expected to meet with French and Saudi officials at the upcoming summit to explore steps toward a resolution to the decades-long file.

While a UK Foreign Office minister previously dismissed the idea of joint recognition with France, Lammy’s latest remarks indicate evolving discussions in advance of the June gathering.

Speaking to the House of Lords International Relations Committee on Wednesday, Lammy stated that any UK recognition of a Palestinian state would only proceed if it had a “meaningful impact on the ground,” rather than serving as a purely symbolic gesture.

Lammy addressed skepticism over recent moves by other European states, suggesting that such recognitions have yet to deliver real outcomes.

When reminded that over 160 countries, including Spain, Norway, and Ireland, have already recognized Palestine, he reiterated the UK’s position, saying, "No one has a veto on when the UK recognises that Palestinian state … We have always said that recognition is not an end in of itself and we will prefer recognition as a part of a process to two states."

He added, “President Macron has had a lot to say about that, most recently, alongside the Saudis, and of course we are in discussion with them at this time.”

Conditions for resolution include Hamas relocation and demilitarization

In related diplomatic efforts, Lammy told the committee that he had discussed Gaza’s future governance with Qatari officials. He emphasized that any sustainable resolution would require Hamas to no longer govern Gaza and for its leadership to relocate, likely to a third country.

Lammy said this transition must be accompanied by a comprehensive demilitarization process, drawing parallels with the post-Good Friday Agreement settlement in Northern Ireland.

Illegal settlements undermining peace prospects

Lammy also criticized the accelerating pace of illegal Israeli settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. He noted that "Israel" had established 59 illegal outposts over the past year, more than eight times the 25-year average, a trend he described as directly undermining the viability of a "two-state solution".

These actions, he noted, contributed to the UK's decision earlier this year to impose sanctions on certain settler activities.

Broader diplomatic moves by France, UK

Speculation around a coordinated recognition effort has intensified since French President Emmanuel Macron visited Egypt and hinted that France may recognize Palestine at the June conference, potentially becoming the first G7 nation to do so.

Macron later stated that such a move would aim to trigger further recognitions, including the recognition of "Israel" by countries that currently do not do so.

Lammy’s comments also follow a private meeting in London with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. He told the Lords committee that he had urged Sa’ar to fulfill "Israel's" obligations to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.