UK recognition of Palestinian state still 'up to Israel'

BRITAIN'S move to recognise a Palestinian state rests with the Israeli government, a foreign minister has said.

- JONATHAN BRADY

Speaking in Parliament, Baroness Chapman of Darlington said if Benjamin Netanyahu's administration did not want the UK to act "then it is clear what it needs to do".

Reports have indicated Sir Keir Starmer will take the diplomatic step over the weekend after US President Donald Trump concludes his state visit to the UK, in a bid to avoid a public split on the issue.

The Prime Minister has previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations general assembly, if Israel does not take action to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has left civilians facing famine and disease.