A Whitehall source told the paper: “The French are trying to get us back on board with recognition. We’re reticent.
“You do it when you think you can achieve something from it, not for the sake of saying ‘we’ve done it’.”
Mr Macron’s calls for Palestine to be recognised as a state have been met with opposition in Israel, as leaders believe a Palestinian state would “reward” Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Hamas terrorists killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages back into Gaza in the horrific terror move in 2023. Israel has responded with a long military campaign aimed at destroying the group. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in the Strip said over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes.
In June, Sir Keir was asked about whether the UK could soon recognise a Palestinian state.
The Prime Minister told reporters: ”Our position on recognition of Palestine as part of the process hasn’t changed for us. I hold very strongly to the belief that the only long-term solution to the conflict in the Middle East is a two-state solution.
“However hard that may seem at the moment in the current circumstances, that is the only way to peace. So that continues to be our position.”
President Macron and his wife, Brigette, will be welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla when he arrives in Windsor. They will then set off on a carriage procession through the town.
He will also address Parliament and tour Buckingham Palace, among other visits.