Starmer’s close ally Emmanuel Macron also announced his own plan for France to recognise Palestine last week – becoming the first G7 country to do so. Starmer initially refused, saying it had to be part of a wider plan for peace. But, after his declaration on Tuesday, the prime minister has denied this new decision is a U-turn to appease angry MPs.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told his cabinet that the United Kingdom will recognise the state of Palestine by September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end its war on Gaza and commits to a lasting peace process.