Sir Keir Starmer was accused of rewarding terrorism after announcing that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister said the move was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis”.
But the largely symbolic decision, which is opposed by the US, came under fire from opposition parties and Israel. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described it as “absolutely disastrous”.
She said: “We will all rue the day this decision was made. Rewarding terrorism with no conditions whatsoever put in place for Hamas. It leaves hostages languishing in Gaza and does nothing to stop the suffering of innocent people caught in this war.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said that Sir Keir was “wrong”, adding: “This is a reward for the Hamas terrorists and will do nothing to bring about peace.”
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes ahead of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) this week, with other nations, including Australia and Canada, making similar moves.
In a video message today, Sir Keir said the “moment has now arrived” to recognise a Palestinian state.
He said: “Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as Prime Minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.
“We recognised the State of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people.
“Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian state also.
“A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”
Sir Keir said Hamas was a “brutal terror organisation” and confirmed plans to ratchet up sanctions on the group.
“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” he added.
The UK Government has acknowledged that recognising a Palestinian state would not ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or contribute to the freeing of the hostages taken by Hamas.
Sir Keir, who has faced pressure from Labour backbenchers and an electoral challenge from pro-Palestine independents, said in July he would recognise Palestine ahead of the UN meeting if Israel did not take “substantive steps” towards peace in Gaza.
But Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel warned the move “sends a dangerous message to the world that terrorism pays”.
Writing in the Daily Express, she said: “There can be no viable Palestinian state while Hamas – an Iranian-backed terrorist organisation responsible for horrific atrocities and mass murder – continues to control Gaza, reject ceasefires and hold civilians hostage.
“Rushing to recognise Palestine now sends a dangerous message to the world that terrorism pays. Under Labour, Britain rewards violence and undermines every genuine effort to negotiate a peaceful two-state solution.
“Starmer has emboldened a murderous jihadist regime and diminished Britain’s standing on the global stage. Recognition without peace is not progress – and this dangerous mistake is one that Britain simply cannot afford.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded it as “absurd” and “simply a reward for terrorism”.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said there would be “deep dismay” about the announcement across the Jewish community.
In a statement, the board said: “As we feared and warned, the way the UK has chosen to recognise a Palestinian state has done nothing to advance a ceasefire, free the hostages, stop the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, or advance long-term peace.
“It may have set those goals back, by reducing pressure on Hamas and enabling them to claim recognition as the ‘fruits’ of its violence and intransigence.”
The move will see the UK recognise a Palestinian state based provisionally on 1967 borders, before Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
It will also pave the way for full diplomatic relations, with the Palestinian head of mission in the UK likely to be upgraded to full ambassadorial status.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the decision, saying it was a “historic day”.
He added: “The Government now needs to follow through and do all it can to secure a ceasefire, an end to the cycle of violence and a two-state solution which is the only way to ensure a permanent end to the conflict.”
A group of families of hostages taken in the October 7 attack had warned that recognition could hamper efforts to release them.
In an open letter to Sir Keir ahead of the announcement, they said: “Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the UNGA has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones.
“Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal.
“We write to you with a simple plea – do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”
The issue is likely to dominate the UN gathering in the coming days, with France expected to formally recognise Palestine tomorrow.
