The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has lashed out at the UK government’s decision to formally recognise Palestine as a state.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in a video posted on X on Sunday, September 21, 2025, saying Britain had joined more than 150 countries in recognising Palestine.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer captioned the video.
Reacting to the announcement, Badenoch described the move as “absolutely disastrous,” accusing the government of rewarding terrorism without demanding accountability from Hamas.
Badenoch wrote: “Disastrous. Absolutely disastrous. 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.”
UK, Canada, Australia recognise Palestinian state
The Conservative leader further accused Starmer of using the recognition of Palestine to “appease the hard left,” saying his administration has failed to solve pressing domestic issues.
“They cannot fix the NHS, so they push assisted suicide. They cannot create jobs for young people so they give them votes at 16. They cannot sort out immigration but they will recognise Palestine instead,” she said.
Badenoch also referenced Starmer’s previous decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a sign of poor judgement and lack of a coherent plan for the country.
“He will spend the next four years delivering the hobby horses of the Labour left to stay in power and leave a HUGE mess for us to clean up,” she added.
The UK joins a growing number of nations that have formally recognised Palestine amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States have strongly opposed such recognition, arguing it undermines negotiations for peace.
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