Opposition Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has strongly criticised the UK government’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, describing it as “absolutely disastrous” and cautioning that the move will be deeply regretted.

Speaking on X on Sunday, Badenoch argued that the decision effectively rewarded Hamas without conditions, left hostages in Gaza, and did little to ease the plight of innocent civilians.

She also accused the Labour-led government of prioritising symbolic foreign policy decisions while neglecting critical domestic issues, including the NHS, job creation, and immigration.

“This is the same man who paid £35bn in reparations to Mauritius along with surrendering the Chagos Islands. Everything we are seeing is a consequence of a Prime Minister with no plan for the country and no judgement,” Badenoch said, referring to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Badenoch warned that the government would spend the next four years pursuing “hobby horses” of the Labour left, leaving a “huge mess” for the Conservatives to resolve.