Keir Starmer’s planned recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend may open the floodgates to costly lawfare against Britain. Pro-Palestinian lawyers are already limbering up for a major lawsuit demanding reparations for Britain’s historic role in the region. A Chagos-style surrender bill for the UK taxpayer could be looming…
A group of Palestinians has filed a legal petition accusing the UK of “serial international law violations”, marking the launch of the campaign ‘Britain Owes Palestine‘. The group demands official acknowledgment of wrongdoing, a formal apology, and hard cash compensation for what they call a “century of oppression”. The Palestinian Authority hasn’t been shy about its intentions either. Back in September 2023 Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas openly declared:
“We will persist with our pursuit of accountability and justice at the relevant international bodies against Israel… as well as against both Britain and America for their roles in the fateful Balfour declaration. We call for reparations, we call for compensation in accordance with international law.”
Has Starmer secured any guarantees that Britain won’t be dragged into court before he recognises Palestine?
Tom Baldwin, author of Starmer’s hagiography, spoke to Times Radio:
Tom Baldwin: “I think he’d like to do something. He’s very dutiful and driven by service. That’s why he came into politics. I think that’s characterised his time as prime minister. He hasn’t always sought popularity or been good at being popular. But I think he has some of the necessary qualities that we actually do want in a prime minister. That resilience, that relentlessness, that ability to carry the weight and the job really does weigh very heavily on people and he carries that weight very, very well.”
Jo Coburn: “NATO Secretary-General?”
Tom Baldwin: “I think that’s something that he would be interested in. I think it probably requires Andy Burnham’s government to support him in that and these are some of the questions which Andy Burnham has to resolve quite quickly.”