UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said that now is the moment for Britain and other countries to support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He made the remarks during an interview with the BBC, just before the UK formally recognized Palestine as a state.
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What Did Lammy Say?

Lammy argued that recognizing a Palestinian state is not about rewarding any group, but about standing up for fairness. He said:

A Palestinian state is a just cause.
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The UK believes in a homeland for the Jewish people. But also, it believes in civil and religious rights for Palestinians.
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If we do not support two states, it might mean there is no state for Palestinians, or there may be one state where equality is hard to guarantee.
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Lammy also addressed concerns from the families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas. He said meeting with them, he understands their pain and fears. He emphasized that supporting a Palestinian state doesn’t mean ignoring those concerns.
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What Led to This Moment

Several things have pushed the UK government toward this decision:

Humanitarian concerns
The war in Gaza, with its heavy toll on civilians, has made many people in the UK and around the world feel urgent pressure for peace and for actions to protect lives.
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Political pressure
Many British politicians and members of Parliament have asked for stronger action to support Palestinian rights and to revive a realistic pathway to peace. Recognition of Palestine is seen by some as a step toward that.
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Moral and historical reasons
Lammy and others have pointed out Britain’s historic role in the region, including the Balfour Declaration, and the long-standing international support for a two-state solution. They argue that now is the time to act on those principles rather than only talk about them.
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What Recognition Means

Recognition of Palestine is largely symbolic at this stage. It does not suddenly create full control over land or borders.
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It is intended to keep alive hope for peace — a secure and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel. Lammy emphasized that both needs are important.
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The UK says recognition doesn’t mean giving up on holding Israel accountable for international law, or on pushing for ceasefire, humanitarian aid, or stopping settlement expansions in the West Bank.
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What Critics Say

Not everyone agrees with the decision:

Some believe recognizing Palestine now could complicate efforts to bring hostages home. They worry it might be seen as taking sides.
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Others think that symbolic gestures are not enough without concrete actions: protections for civilians, peace negotiations, ending violence, and ensuring both sides commit to peace.
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Why Lammy Thinks Now Is the Time

David Lammy believes that the chance for a two-state solution is slipping away. He says delaying or doing nothing could mean losing the possibility altogether. If settlements grow, if borders blur, if violence continues, it becomes much harder to see a viable, just peace.
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He is calling on Britain and the world to be bolder: to recognize Palestine now, to push for peace, to ensure there is equality, safety, and dignity for both Israeli and Palestinian people.

Conclusion

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s message is clear: this is not the time to wait. Recognition of Palestine is meant to be a step forward, a signal that “two states” remains possible and worth fighting for. It won’t solve everything overnight, especially for those suffering now, but for many, it offers a direction — a hope — in a situation many believe is growing more desperate.