UK has 'solemn duty' to help resolve Gaza crisis and may recognise Palestine without US

'I'll determine our policy, not follow anyone else', said the Prime Minister

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Nato's 75th anniversary summit in Washington. Reuters

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The UK could recognise Palestine as an independent state separately from the US or Israel, Keir Starmer has reiterated.

Speaking at a press conference at the conclusion of the Nato summit in Washington, the British Prime Minister said again that recognising Palestine needed to be "part of the process" of securing peace in the region, restating a position set out by Foreign Secretary David Lammy last month.

Asked whether he would be willing to act on recognising Palestine before the US or Israel, Mr Starmer answered: "So far as our policy is concerned, I'll determine our policy, not follow anyone else."

He also repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, saying he had discussed the issue with other leaders at the summit in Washington.

He said: "Now we are in office it is our solemn duty to play our full part in resolving the conflict, which has to end. There must be a ceasefire."

The conflict in Gaza has proved a thorn in Mr Starmer's side since it began in October, after the Labour leader stated Israel “has the right” to withhold power and water from Gaza a few days after the Hamas attacks.

Several Labour candidates, including Rushanara Ali, experienced death threats and voter intimidation during the general election campaign as a result of the party’s stance on the issue.

A record number of independent MPs successfully stood on pro-Gaza platforms, including Iqbal Mohamed, who told The National Labour now has a “Muslim problem”.

Former MP Jonathan Ashworth was one of several Labour candidates defeated by independents who made Gaza a major part of their campaign, while others such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting saw their majorities slashed.

Former shadow cabinet member Thangam Debbonaire, who lost her seat to the Green Party, told Channel 4 News on Wednesday that Labour's "lack of a strong narrative" on Gaza "had consequences".

In his press conference on Thursday night, Mr Starmer paid tribute to Ms Debbonaire, saying she had done "a fantastic job in the shadow cabinet and was an incredible politician".

He said: "I pay tribute to her, she's got a lot to offer and she will offer a lot more."