PM's move not gesture politics, says Alexander

CABINET minister has rejected the idea that Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to recognise a Palestinian state is gesture politics, as the Prime Minister faced pushback from Israel over his decision.

- CAITLIN DOHERTY, RHIANNON JAMES and DAVID LYNCH

Heidi Alexander told the BBC the decision is “about the Palestinian people”.

Sir Keir announced on Tuesday the UK could take the step of recognising statehood in September, ahead of a major UN gathering.

‘The UK will only refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months.

The move has been criticised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed it “rewards Hamas’ monstrous terrorism’:

Asked by BBC Radio 4 whether it is gesture politics and a case of Sir Keir changing his mind over an issue after pressure from his backbenches, the Westminster Transport Secretary said yesterday: “I’m sorry, that’s just not true. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about getting aid in to those starving children”