Sir Keir Starmer faced an awkward question from a US journalist over his plan to recognise a Palestinian state during a joint press conference with Donald Trump. The reporter asked the Prime Minster why he was “waiting for President Trump to leave the country” before going ahead with the move.
It comes after reports that Keir held off on formally announcing the UK will recognise a Palestinian state until after Mr Trump leaves for fear it could dominate the press conference. The journalist asked: “If you feel so strongly about officially recognising Palestine for statehood why are you waiting for President Trump to leave the country? Why can’t you just do it right now? Isn’t there a risk in rewarding Hamas with that?”
The PM replied: “Let me be really clear about Hamas. They are a terrorist organisation who can have no part in any future governance in Palestine.”
At this point, Mr Trump patted the Prime Minister on the back and said “that’s good”.
Sir Keir went on: “What happened on October 7 was the worst attack since the Holocaust.
“We have extended family in Israel, I understand first-hand the psychological impact that had across Israel.
“So I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas. Hamas of course don’t want a two-state solution, they don’t want peace, they don’t want a ceasefire.
“I’m very clear where I stand on Hamas. On the question of recognition I made my position clear at the end of my July as to the timing which has got nothing to do with this state visit and I’ve discussed it with the President, as you would expect amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other and want to bring about a better solution in the best way that we can.”
The Prime Minister previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations general assembly in New York this month if Israel does not meet a series of conditions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Earlier in the press conference, Mr Trump described Sir Keir’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state as “one of our few disagreements”.
He said: “I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually.”