In an interview with Piers Morgan, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak clarified that the government's position on recognizing a Palestinian state remains unchanged, following comments made by Foreign Secretary David Cameron that sparked backlash from Tory MPs.

Last week, Cameron stated that the UK would "look at the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations," suggesting that it could lead to irreversible progress towards a two-state solution. He even proposed that recognition could come before Israeli-Palestinian talks yield results.

However, Sunak sought to downplay any notion that UK policy had shifted on the matter, stating that Cameron's remarks had been "over-interpreted." Sunak emphasized that the UK government has always been committed to a two-state solution and that their stance has not wavered.

When asked if the UK would consider recognizing a Palestinian state before a peace process is concluded, Sunak clarified that they would only do so "at the point where it is most conducive to the process."

Cameron faced criticism from some Conservative MPs, with former Tory Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers cautioning against rewarding "Hamas' atrocities" following their assault on Israel in October. Villiers argued that accelerating unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state would not be appropriate in light of these events.

Addressing questions about whether Sunak's comments were a rebuke to the foreign secretary, the Prime Minister's spokesperson denied any disagreement between the two politicians and stressed that they were aligned on the issue. The spokesperson reiterated that the government's recognition of a Palestinian state will occur when it best serves the cause of peace.

The UK continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable long-term resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, this proposition and any steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state face staunch opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As discussions over the recognition of a Palestinian state continue, the UK government remains steadfast in their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.