The UK is preparing to formally recognise a Palestinian state as soon as this weekend once Donald Trump returns to the US after his state visit concludes, The i Paper understands.

According to government sources, recognition could be announced within days, once Trump has left the country.

The move is expected ahead of high-level foreign ministers’ meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which begin on Monday.

Officials are also understood to be anticipating that Trump will be asked about Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to advance Palestinian statehood during Thursday’s press conference at Chequers, which they also expect to overrun due to the President’s freewheeling style.

The decision to hold off announcing the move until after Trump departs is another sign of t

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