Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to formally recognise the state of Palestine, describing the move as “absolutely disastrous” and a threat to Britain’s standing on the global stage. Badenoch, a senior Conservative figure, accused the Labour government of jeopardising national interests and undermining the UK’s diplomatic credibility by making what she termed a hasty and reckless foreign policy shift.
Speaking during a political gathering on Saturday, Badenoch said the decision risked inflaming tensions in the Middle East at a critical time and could alienate key allies, particularly Israel and the United States. She argued that recognition of Palestine without concrete guarantees of peace and security was not only premature but also “a betrayal of Britain’s long-standing role as an honest broker in the peace process.”
According to her, the move could embolden extremist elements in the region, derail ongoing peace initiatives, and further complicate efforts to bring about a negotiated two-state solution. “Diplomacy requires balance, patience, and careful timing,” Badenoch insisted, warning that the Labour government had “sacrificed prudence for political posturing.”
The Prime Minister, however, has defended his government’s decision, stressing that recognition of Palestine aligns with international law and reflects the UK’s commitment to advancing peace in the Middle East. Starmer has maintained that the move would strengthen the prospects of a two-state solution and demonstrate Britain’s support for Palestinian aspirations while upholding Israel’s right to security.
Badenoch dismissed that justification, insisting that the recognition amounted to “virtue signalling” rather than a serious strategy for peace. She urged the government to reconsider its approach and instead focus on fostering dialogue between Israel and Palestine. “True leadership means working for solutions, not chasing applause,” she said.
Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions across political and diplomatic circles. While some lawmakers in the Conservative Party praised her for speaking out, others cautioned that excessive criticism could deepen divisions at a time when the country needed a united front on foreign policy. Pro-Palestinian groups, on the other hand, welcomed Starmer’s stance and accused Badenoch of ignoring the plight of Palestinians who, they argued, had waited decades for international recognition.
The debate over Palestine’s recognition is expected to dominate the political landscape in the coming weeks, with analysts warning that the controversy could reshape Britain’s relations with both Middle Eastern nations and its Western allies. For now, Badenoch’s intervention has added further pressure on Starmer as he faces the challenge of balancing domestic politics with Britain’s global diplomatic commitments.
