By Obinna Uballa
United States President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly clashed on Thursday over Britain’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state, exposing one of the few points of division during Trump’s high-profile state visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking at a joint press conference in London after bilateral talks, Trump made clear his opposition to Britain’s expected announcement.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually,” Trump said when asked about reports that Starmer’s government was preparing to formally recognise Palestinian statehood this weekend.
Starmer, however, sought to downplay the rift, insisting that both leaders remained committed to peace in the Middle East.
“We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a road map, because the situation in Gaza is intolerable,” the prime minister told reporters.
The Labour leader rejected suggestions that the timing of Britain’s recognition had been adjusted to avoid overshadowing Trump’s visit.
“I made my position clear at the end of July as to the timing, which has got nothing to do with this state visit,” Starmer said. “I’ve discussed it with the president, as you would expect, among two leaders who respect each other and want to bring about a better solution in the best way we can.”
The debate comes as pressure mounts internationally for stronger recognition of Palestinian rights amid the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict, reports said.
Most UN member states already recognise Palestine as a state, but the US has long opposed unilateral recognition outside a negotiated peace agreement with Israel.
Britain, too, has historically stopped short of recognition, despite repeated parliamentary votes urging it. Starmer’s government broke from that position in July, signalling readiness to move forward, citing the worsening crisis in Gaza and international momentum behind Palestinian statehood.
