Former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove has lamented the British Government’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state.

Speaking on GB News, Mr Dearlove said Labour is “suffering a severe bout of Palestinianism”.

He fears the “ridiculous diplomatic decision” will enflame community tensions and threaten damaging consequences for Jews living in Britain.

“It’s ridiculous”, he said. “It’s about party management. It’s a ridiculous decision to take diplomatically.

“It makes it look as if Hamas has a success and I am really ashamed the UK has taken this step.

“I think it’s terrible for the Jewish community in the UK as well.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is poised to declare formal recognition of Palestine in a move that would constitute a significant shift in Britain’s Middle East policy.

The announcement, expected Sunday afternoon, would position Britain among nations that have already extended diplomatic recognition to Palestine as a sovereign entity.

This development follows months of diplomatic tensions after the Prime Minister established specific requirements for Israel in June, which have reportedly gone unmet.

The decision signals a significant recalibration of Britain’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Prime Minister had previously outlined specific demands to Israeli leadership in June, conditioning Britain’s diplomatic stance on concrete actions toward resolving the Gaza crisis.

These requirements encompassed an immediate cessation of hostilities, provisions for United Nations humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza, and guarantees against territorial expansion in the West Bank.