President Mahmoud Abbas has concluded a significant state visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Arab ambassadors, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Emily Thornberry, British doctors returning from Gaza, CMEC’s Chairman Kit Malthouse, and other officials. The visit was defined by high-level discussions on Gaza, future Palestinian governance, and the UK’s pledge to formally recognise the State of Palestine.
On 8 September, President Abbas was welcomed at 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a bilateral meeting focused on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Both leaders emphasised the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. They also discussed long-term stability, with consensus that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza or the wider Palestinian territories. In a landmark development, Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed that the United Kingdom intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless Israel takes substantive steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and commits to peace. President Abbas welcomed this pledge and reiterated his commitment to reforming the Palestinian Authority as a central component of future governance.
During his visit, President Abbas also met with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the strengthening of bilateral relations. Their dialogue focused on ending hostilities in Gaza, enabling humanitarian access, halting settler violence, and advancing the two-state solution.
The President further met with Arab ambassadors in London, emphasising that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian state. In addition, CMEC Chairman Kit Malthouse held discussions with President Abbas that focused on the United Kingdom’s recognition of Palestine and the path toward a lasting peace.