Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK will recognise a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister said the move was intended "to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis".

It comes ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, with other nations, including Australia and Canada, making similar moves shortly before Sir Keir's announcement. The UK Government has acknowledged that recognising a Palestinian state would not ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza nor contribute to the freeing of the hostages taken by Hamas.

But the UK believes the move is necessary to safeguard the prospect of a lasting two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, with Israel existing alongside a Palestinian state.

It comes after Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy admitted that recognising Palestine would not ease the humanitarian crisis or secure the release of hostages.

But he insisted it would keep open the prospect of an eventual two-state solution with a Palestinian state existing alongside Israel.

"It is to keep that process alive, a process that the United Kingdom has committed to over successive governments," he told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

"So that is the decision. It's not to say as night follows day, you recognise one day and a Palestinian state appears the next."

But the families of some of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack had urged the Prime Minister not to go ahead with recognition.

In an open letter to Sir Keir, they said: "Your regrettable announcement of the UK's intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones.

"Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal.

"We write to you with a simple plea - do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms."

Sir Keir and his ministers have sought to stress that recognition of a Palestinian state is not a reward for Hamas, saying it can have no role in the future governance of Gaza and have stepped up demands for the release of hostages.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel accusing Sir Keir of "capitulating" to Labour backbenchers on the issue to shore up his leadership.

"With the terrorist organisation Hamas still holding hostages in barbaric conditions and glorifying acts of terror, Starmer is sending a dangerous message, where violence and extremism are tolerated and rewarded," she said.

Dame Priti also described the preparation of fresh sanctions on Hamas as a "feeble last-minute attempt" to placate Donald Trump.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: "Hamas and a Palestinian state are inseparable for now.

"This is typical of Starmer, he can't really decide where he stands.

"Whatever the caveats in his statement, this announcement is a surrender to terrorism and a betrayal of Israel."