U.S. Vice President JD Vance has openly criticised Britain’s shift toward recognising a Palestinian state, warning it could complicate efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Speaking at Chevening House in Kent on Friday, ahead of talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Vance expressed uncertainty over the practicality of such recognition. “I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there,” he remarked.

Vance’s visit comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government signals a departure from its previous position by considering recognition of Palestinian statehood. The vice president made clear that the United States would not follow suit, stressing that Washington’s priority remains addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and ensuring Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Beyond Gaza, discussions between Vance and Lammy were expected to touch on the war in Ukraine and a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vance will also be taking a family holiday in the Cotswolds following the diplomatic talks.