Vance pours cold water on plans to recognise Palestine

JD Vance hit out at Keir Starmer's plan to recognise Palestine as he met foreign secretary David Lammy in Kent yesterday for informal talks at the start of a private family holiday in the Cotswolds.

- KATE DEVLIN WHITEHALL EDITOR

The US vice-president questioned how the prime minister’s historic pledge would be achieved, because of the lack of a functional government in the territory.

He confirmed Washington did not intend to follow the UK, saying the two countries had “disagreements” over how to respond to the crisis in Gaza but shared a common goal to end the war.

Mr Vance also claimed he “loved” Britain despite a number of outspoken attacks in recent months.

On a visit to Chevening, the foreign secretary’s official country retreat in Kent, the Republican revealed the rapport he has built up with the Labour MP.

He heaped praise on Mr Lammy as his “good friend” and said their families enjoy spending time together. The two men are understood to have bonded over their Christian faith.

However, he made clear the divide between the two governments on how to deal with the war in Gaza.

As the pair sat beside each other at the start of the meeting, he was asked by reporters what he thought of the UK’s plans to recognise Palestine.

Mr Vance replied: “Obviously, the United Kingdom is going to make its decision. Vance and Lammy fishing for carp at Chevening