UK’s Lammy says Palestine recognition aimed at keeping distant two-state vision ‘alive’

Britain’s deputy prime minister David Lammy says the UK’s imminent recognition of a Palestinian state will not bring one into existence “overnight,” stressing that recognition must be part of a broader peace process.

“Any step to recognize it is because we wish to keep alive the prospects of a two-state solution,” David Lammy tells Sky News, confirming plans for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to announce a decision on recognizing a Palestinian state later today.

“We are some significant distance from two states,” he admits.

He also calls for the release of hostages in Gaza and says Hamas cannot play any role in governing, adding that the Palestinian Authority must also make reforms.

Lammy, who was recently removed as foreign secretary, also says the chance for a ceasefire in Gaza anytime soon “lies in tatters.”

After Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar earlier this month, it’s “very hard to see a ceasefire in the coming weeks,” he says.