TUV leader condemns UK’s recognition of Palestine as “reward for terrorism”

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

In a strongly worded statement, Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister has fiercely criticised the UK government’s decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine, branding it a “reward for terrorism.”

The historic move, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday 21 September 2025, alongside Canada and Australia, has sparked intense debate, with Allister arguing it sends a dangerous message to Hamas, the terrorist organisation holding hostages in Gaza.

Allister’s remarks come as the UK government defends its decision as a critical step towards preserving the prospect of a two-state solution, amid escalating violence in Gaza and illegal Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The TUV leader’s condemnation has added fuel to an already polarised discourse surrounding the Middle East conflict, highlighting deep divisions over the UK’s foreign policy direction.

Allister’s Critique: A “Folly” That Validates Hamas

Jim Allister, a prominent unionist voice, did not mince words in his reaction to the UK’s announcement.

“Starmer’s recognition of Palestine is inescapably a reward for terrorism, compounded by any lack of requirement for the release of the Hamas held hostages,” he stated.

He argued that the decision fails to hold Hamas accountable, pointing out that “demands were made of Israel, but none of Hamas!”

Allister expressed alarm at the prospect of a Palestinian embassy in London, warning it would grant “all the privileges and immunity that such offers to Palestinian activists.”

He further claimed that the move allows Hamas to “feel validated by not even having to surrender a single hostage!” Describing the decision as “yet another folly by our out of touch government,” Allister’s statement reflects a broader concern among critics who fear the recognition could embolden extremist groups.

The October 7 Attacks: Catalyst for the Current Conflict

The UK’s recognition comes nearly two years after the devastating attacks on 7 October 2023, which ignited the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

On that day, Hamas-led militants, along with other Palestinian armed groups, launched a coordinated surprise assault from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, breaching the border fence and targeting civilian communities, military bases, and a music festival. 

The incursion resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, including 695 Israeli civilians, 373 soldiers, and 71 foreigners, making it the deadliest attack on Israel in its history.

Militants carried out mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions, with more than 250 individuals taken hostage back to Gaza, including children, women, and the elderly. 

The brutality of the attacks, described by Starmer as “barbaric,” shocked the world and prompted Israel’s immediate declaration of war, leading to a full-scale military operation in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and securing the release of hostages.

As of September 2025, dozens of hostages remain in captivity, with recent images showing some in emaciated conditions, and Hamas refusing to release even the bodies of the deceased.

This assault not only escalated the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also drew international condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. It set the stage for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Israel’s response resulting in widespread destruction and significant Palestinian casualties, further complicating efforts towards peace.

UK Government’s Rationale: A Step Towards Peace

In contrast, the UK government has framed the recognition of Palestine as a historic and necessary action to safeguard the two-state solution.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a statement on 21 September 2025, emphasised that the decision is rooted in the “Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination” and is not an endorsement of Hamas.

“This solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future. No role in government. No role in security,” Starmer declared, underscoring that the UK’s vision for peace is “the exact opposite of their hateful vision.”

The government’s move comes amid a deteriorating situation in the Middle East, with Starmer noting the “growing horror” in the region almost two years after the October 7 attacks.

The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing plight of hostages, stating, “I have met British families of the hostages. I see the torture they endure each and every day… The hostages must be released immediately.”

The UK has also pledged to sanction senior Hamas figures in the coming weeks and continues to push for their disarmament and an immediate ceasefire.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed Starmer’s sentiments, stressing that “Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future - they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states.”

She clarified that the recognition is “not about Hamas” but about affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Cooper added that the decision is part of a broader “Framework for Peace,” which includes reforming the Palestinian Authority (PA) and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

A Polarised Response

Allister’s criticism has resonated with those who view the UK’s decision as premature, particularly given Hamas’s role in the October 7 atrocities and its refusal to release hostages or relinquish control over Gaza.

His assertion that the recognition rewards terrorism has sparked debate about whether the UK’s move risks legitimising extremist groups. Critics argue that without stringent conditions on Hamas, such as the immediate release of hostages and disarmament, the recognition could undermine Israel’s security.

However, supporters of the government’s decision argue it is a pragmatic step towards peace. The UK’s recognition of Palestine aligns with over 150 countries that have taken similar steps, reflecting a global consensus on the need for a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

The government has also committed to supporting PA reforms, with President Abbas pledging to hold elections within a year of a ceasefire. Sir Michael Barber, the UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance, is tasked with enhancing the PA’s capabilities to build a functioning state.

The Broader Context: Gaza and the West Bank

The UK’s decision comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Starmer condemned the “man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” pointing to the Israeli government’s “relentless and increasing bombardment” and “unacceptable restrictions” on aid.

He called for Israel to halt its offensive, allow humanitarian aid to flow, and stop illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, which he described as a threat to the two-state solution.

The government has taken concrete steps to address the crisis, including evacuating sick and injured children from Gaza to be treated by the NHS. However, Starmer acknowledged that “nowhere near enough aid is getting through,” urging Israel to lift border restrictions.

The UK’s recognition of Palestine is part of a coordinated international effort to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, which includes ceasefire monitoring, governance reforms, and negotiations for a lasting resolution.

A Divisive Issue

The recognition of Palestine has reignited tensions, both domestically and internationally. In the UK, the conflict has “created division” and “stoked hatred and fear,” as Starmer noted, with protests and debates reflecting the depth of feeling on the issue.

Allister’s remarks highlight the concerns of those who fear the move could exacerbate tensions rather than resolve them.

As the UK navigates this complex and emotive issue, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to a two-state solution.

“We must channel our efforts… united together in hope… behind the peaceful future that we want to see,” Starmer urged, calling for an end to violence and suffering on all sides.

Whether this historic decision will pave the way for peace or deepen divisions remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly placed the UK at the heart of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.