London, August 8, 2025: US Vice President JD Vance has reiterated that Washington has no plans to recognise a Palestinian state, questioning the point of recognition “given the lack of a functional government there.”
Speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the start of talks in southern England, Vance acknowledged differences between the US and UK over the Gaza crisis but stressed that both share common goals in the Middle East. “We may have some disagreements about how exactly to accomplish that goal, and we’ll talk about that today,” he said.
Britain, in contrast, plans to recognise Palestine — alongside France and Canada — as part of efforts to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Vance, who arrived in London with his wife Usha and their three children, travelled to Chevening, the official country residence of the foreign secretary. The two leaders shared light moments before their talks, with Lammy recommending a coastal walk in Kent and Vance professing his “love” for Britain. Earlier, the pair went fishing in Chevening’s lake, joking with reporters about their empty nets.
The Vances will spend two nights at Chevening before visiting the Cotswolds. The trip — described as a working visit — includes official meetings, cultural site tours, and a planned meeting with US troops. The war in Ukraine is also on the agenda.
Outside Chevening, a small group of protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags, with one sign mocking the US vice president.
