‘Absolutely Disastrous’: UK Opposition Leader Rips Starmer’s Palestinian Recognition as Catastrophic ‘Reward for Terror’

September 22, 2025 Diana Zapata News, Politics 0
Published September 22, 2025

Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch blasted Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recognition of a Palestinian state as “absolutely disastrous,” charging it hands Hamas terrorists a victory while leaving Israeli hostages “languishing in Gaza.”

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state, labeling it “absolutely disastrous” and a “reward for terrorism.” Badenoch contends that the move emboldens Hamas, which continues to hold hostages in Gaza and has not met any of the conditions previously set by Starmer, such as disarming or relinquishing control of Gaza .

The UK now joins Canada, Australia, and Portugal in formally recognizing an independent Palestinian state. However, the decision has drawn criticism from Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, who warned that such recognition could embolden “the forces of darkness” and undermine efforts for genuine peace.

Badenoch’s comments highlight a growing divide between the UK government and its allies, with some viewing the recognition as premature and potentially counterproductive in the current geopolitical climate.

 

On Saturday, Badenoch said Starmer was “rewarding terrorism with his Middle Eastern policy,” accusing him of being captive to Labour’s “hard-left backbenchers.” She added: “Britain cannot afford to be weak – only the Conservatives will stand up for our national interest.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry blasted London’s move as “nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas – emboldened by its Muslim Brotherhood affiliates in the UK,” noting Hamas leaders themselves admit recognition is the “fruit” of the October 7 massacre.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the decision on Sunday, declaring: “After the atrocities of October 7, while Hamas continues its campaign of terror, and while it continues to cruelly hold 48 hostages in the tunnels and dungeons of Gaza, the recognition of a Palestinian state by some nations today is, not surprisingly, cheered by Hamas.” Herzog warned it “will only embolden the forces of darkness” and called it “a sad day for those who seek true peace.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant message of his own, vowing: “I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognizing a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.”

⚠️ Implications

1. Geopolitical Implications

  • Strained UK-Israel Relations: Israel has already expressed concern that recognition could embolden groups like Hamas. This could cool diplomatic ties and complicate security cooperation.

  • Impact on Allies: Other Western allies (like the U.S. and EU members) may view the move as unilateral, potentially causing friction in coordinated Middle East policies.

  • Regional Signaling: By recognizing Palestine, the UK signals support for Palestinian statehood, which could influence neighboring countries’ policies and embolden Palestinian leadership, but may provoke backlash from pro-Israel states.

2. Security Implications

  • Hamas and Terrorism Concerns: Critics, including Kemi Badenoch, warn that recognition could be perceived as a “reward” for terrorist activity, potentially incentivizing further attacks or hostage-taking.

  • Counterterrorism Strategy: Recognition without conditions may complicate the UK’s counterterrorism and intelligence efforts in the region.

3. Domestic Political Implications

  • Government Criticism: The Labour government under Keir Starmer faces sharp criticism from the opposition, framing the decision as “disastrous” and politically reckless.

  • Public Opinion: Depending on UK public sentiment toward Israel and Palestine, this could impact Starmer’s domestic approval ratings, especially among voters concerned about national security and Middle East stability.

  • Party Divide: The move could deepen internal divisions in UK politics between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions.

4. Diplomatic and Peace Process Implications

  • Negotiation Leverage: Recognition may alter the dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Israel could perceive it as prejudging final-status issues, possibly stalling future talks.

  • International Precedent: Other countries may follow the UK’s lead, potentially reshaping international norms regarding Palestinian statehood recognition.

💬 Overall Takeaway:

The UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state marks a bold but highly controversial move on the international stage. While it signals support for Palestinian sovereignty and aligns the UK with a growing number of countries taking similar steps, it also carries significant risks: straining relations with Israel, emboldening groups like Hamas, and stirring domestic political backlash. The decision underscores the delicate balance between moral diplomacy and geopolitical pragmatism, highlighting that recognition alone is unlikely to resolve long-standing tensions without careful coordination, security considerations, and a clear path toward lasting peace.

SOURCES: BREITBART – ‘Absolutely Disastrous’: UK Opposition Leader Rips Starmer’s Palestinian Recognition as Catastrophic ‘Reward for Terror’
THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – UK Tory leader decries ‘absolutely disastrous’ recognition of Palestinian state

 

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