Absolutely disastrous, Badenoch slams UK’s recognition of Palestinian State

News Update

THE Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has harshly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine, calling it “absolutely disastrous.”

Badenoch’s statement followed Sunday’s joint announcement by Britain, Australia, and Canada, recognising Palestinian statehood — a major departure from long-standing Western foreign policy.

The move makes the UK and Canada the first G7 nations to take such a step, with countries like France expected to follow at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Badenoch accused the Labour government of rewarding terrorism without securing any concessions from Hamas, while ignoring unresolved issues like hostages still held in Gaza.

“We will all rue the day this decision was made,” she wrote. “Rewarding terrorism with no conditions leaves hostages languishing in Gaza and does nothing to stop the suffering of innocent people caught in this war.”

Badenoch further alleged that the move was driven by Labour’s desire to appease its “hard-left” base, rather than address Britain’s domestic challenges.

“Labour cannot fix the NHS, so they push assisted suicide. They can’t create jobs for the youth, so they give them votes at 16. They can’t fix immigration, so they recognise Palestine instead,” she said.

“This is the same Prime Minister who paid £35 billion in reparations to Mauritius and surrendered the Chagos Islands.”

She accused Starmer of lacking both a national plan and sound judgment.

“Everything we’re seeing is the result of a Prime Minister who has no vision for the country. He’ll spend the next four years delivering Labour left’s pet projects just to stay in power — and leave a huge mess behind.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Starmer had announced the recognition via X, stating the move was intended to support a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer posted.