Key Points
- The French president will arrive in London on Tuesday for a three-day visit
- France and UK are divided over the timing of Palestinian statehood recognition
- Macron expected to discuss migrant return deal to stop Channel crossings
LONDON: French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to press UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognise Palestinian statehood during his upcoming state visit to Britain, according to reports on Saturday.
The French president will arrive in London on Tuesday for a three-day visit, which will include a meeting with Starmer, an address to both Houses of Parliament, and a state banquet hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Although the main focus of the visit is expected to be a new “one-in, one-out” migrant returns agreement aimed at reducing Channel crossings, reports say that President Macron will also bring up the issue of Palestinian statehood in private discussions with the UK Prime Minister.
The Telegraph, quoting a Whitehall insider, reported that the French are trying to get the British back on board with recognition.
Downing Street and the Élysée Palace are reportedly divided over the timing and conditions for recognising Palestinian statehood, despite both governments publicly backing the idea in principle when the “right time” comes.
Recognition a catalyst for two-state solution
France views recognition as a potential catalyst for advancing a two-state solution and is advocating for a renewed, UN-led process to be hosted jointly with Saudi Arabia.
UK officials, however, remain cautious, expressing concerns that recognition without concrete commitments from Hamas—such as disarmament and stepping back from leadership—would be largely symbolic.
Israel has strongly opposed any unilateral recognition.
The bilateral summit will also cover joint civil nuclear projects and coordination on a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
