Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has ignited a political firestorm by suggesting the UK could recognise a Palestinian state before a final peace deal with Israel is reached. The controversial comments came during his meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the weekend.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from within his own party and Jewish community organisations, who accuse Starmer of sending mixed signals about Hamas's brutal October 7th attacks that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Diplomatic Controversy Erupts
During the meeting, Starmer reportedly told President Abbas that Palestinian statehood shouldn't "be in the gift of your neighbour" and could be recognised before negotiations conclude. This represents a significant shift in UK foreign policy stance and has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Conservative MPs have seized on the comments, with former Home Secretary Suella Braverman accusing Starmer of showing "weakness in the face of terror." The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed "deep concern" about the timing and implications of such statements.
Labour's Internal Divisions Surface
The controversy has exposed ongoing tensions within Labour regarding Middle East policy. Several Labour MPs representing constituencies with significant Jewish populations have privately expressed alarm about the potential electoral consequences.
Meanwhile, some left-wing Labour members have welcomed the shift, seeing it as a move toward a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Government Response and Fallout
Downing Street has been quick to distance itself from Starmer's comments, reaffirming the UK's official position that recognition should come as part of a negotiated settlement. Foreign Office sources indicate there are no immediate plans to change Britain's longstanding policy.
The timing proves particularly sensitive as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza following the October atrocities. With casualties mounting, the diplomatic landscape remains highly volatile.
Political analysts suggest Starmer's comments may have been intended to shore up support among Muslim voters ahead of the next general election, but the backlash indicates the gambit may have backfired spectacularly.
