A former Labour MP has launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir Starmer's potential decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling the move "counterproductive" and "politically motivated."

Lord Walney expressed strong criticism during an exclusive interview with GB News, arguing that the Government's planned recognition would "fail to ease Palestinian suffering" whilst strengthening Hamas's position.

Lord Walney told GB News: "It’s an unhelpful movement that will do nothing to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Palestinians. Unfortunately, it emboldens Hamas.

"We need to be working with our allies on what can actually be done and what the future should look like."

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Lord Walney said that this is "very frightening" for Jewish families

The former Labour MP, who acted as the British Government's independent adviser on political violence and disruption, added: "I think this certainly seems to be more about Labour's internal political management than actually making a meaningful contribution to the situation in the Middle East.

"Because it won’t help, in fact, it will make it harder for the UK to be influential.

"It’s pretty clear that the Government didn’t plan to be in this position at this time.

"It’s been influenced to move, and I’m afraid that’s not a good look. I really hope the Prime Minister takes the next week to reflect on this and remember that the days of British mandate and empire are over.

"We actually need to work out how we can be effective in managing this conflict and the horrendous humanitarian situation, rather than shutting ourselves out of the conversation."

He expressed particular concern about the impact of protest movements, suggesting demonstrators who had organised what he described as "highly intimidating" rallies would interpret the decision as validation of their tactics.

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The Jewish community are weighing up moving away

The peer warned that such groups, where antisemitic content had reportedly been displayed, would feel encouraged by the UK's stance.

He added that this will have a severe impact on Britain's Jewish community, noting that many are actively contemplating relocation to Israel due to mounting safety concerns in the capital.

"It's a very sad thing that many British Jews are now more actively considering moving to Israel, because they feel a real sense of anxiety or a lack of safety in London," he said.

He also pointed to the distress felt by supporters of British Jewish hostages' families, who perceive their plight as being increasingly marginalised.

Getty | Pro-Palestine protesters in London

"There's real dismay from those who've been supporting the families of British Jewish hostages, to see how frequently their situation is being overshadowed," Lord Walney stated.

Britain has set a September deadline for formally acknowledging Palestinian statehood, contingent on Israel's commitment to peace negotiations and acceptance of a two-state framework.

Keir Starmer convened an emergency cabinet meeting during the summer recess to approve the diplomatic initiative, citing the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza as a primary factor.

The Prime Minister indicated that recognition would proceed unless Israel agreed to implement a ceasefire and demonstrate genuine commitment to establishing two sovereign states in the region.

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Sir Keir Starmer addressed the nation about recognising Palestine yesterday

"I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act," Starmer stated.

The Prime Minister's announcement followed discussions with President Donald Trump in Scotland, though the American leader indicated the Palestinian issue had not featured in their conversations.

A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told GB News: “Our Prime Minister’s declaration is morally indefensible. There are still hostages held in torturous conditions in Hamas dungeons in Gaza. Were they released, there would be a ceasefire immediately, as Israel and the United States have repeatedly said.

“Sir Keir Starmer should be saying that he will take the issue of Palestinian statehood off the table if the hostages are not returned by September or sooner.

"Instead, he has decided to brandish recognition of a Palestinian state as a threat against the world’s only Jewish state as it seeks to retrieve the hostages still held nearly two years after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

“This announcement sends the worst possible message: that mass murder, rape, and hostage-taking are legitimate paths to diplomatic gain. This is not a step toward peace; it is a dangerous precedent. This is not about justice, peace, or a negotiated two-state solution.

"This is about appeasement, and it will only embolden extremists, including Hamas, who now know that they need only hang on until September, holding the hostages and looting aid, to receive their reward.

“Recognition of a Palestinian state should never be wielded as a political weapon. Doing so in the aftermath of an antisemitic pogrom is not only reckless, it is shameful.”