Why Starmer changed his mind about Palestinian statehood

Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. The decision comes after some Labour MPs and cabinet ministers accused him of being too slow to respond to the Gaza crisis. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green to discuss how the prime minister arrived at this decision, and whether UK recognition of a Palestinian state will change the state of play in the region. 

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Want more? Free links:   

The best case for Starmer’s ill-starred Palestine gambit

Starmer finally sets out his stance on Palestinian statehood

Keir Starmer threads the needle on Palestinian recognition

Emmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state in September

Presented by George Parker and produced by Ethan Plotkin. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner and mix by Simon Panayi. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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