David Lammy today admitted that Keir Starmer's plan to recognise a Palestinian state will make no difference to the suffering in Gaza despite the potential huge cost to Britain's standing with its allies.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the incendiary move, expected to be confirmed by Sir Keir later today, was about giving the Palestinian people 'hope'.
But he admitted that it would do nothing to end the fighting or feed tens of thousands of people in the grip of famine as the Israelis continue their bloody assault.
It comes as ministers face increasing criticism over a move opposed by the US. During his state visit to the UK, Donald Trump said he has 'a disagreement with the Prime Minister' about recognition.
A group of families of hostages taken in the October 7 attack warned that recognition could hamper efforts to release them, and claimed Hamas would be 'celebrating'.
