'Battle for Britain': UK prayer leaders discuss Palestinian statehood debate

In the days leading up to the decision, Christian journalist Paul Calvert spoke with Karen and Gordon Beattie, UK prayer coordinators for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), about the prospect of Great Britain recognizing a Palestinian state and the biblical and political issues it raises.

This interview was conducted before the United Kingdom recognized a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York on Sept. 21.

The Beatties recounted how they launched a daily national prayer watch after the late-July announcement: “We were stunned that it had actually been announced by Sir Keir Starmer.” From 8 to 8:30 a.m. local time, they prayed “as the battle for Britain,” drawing inspiration from intercessor Rees Howells and the WWII Battle of Britain.

Gordon explained that the UK’s move would harden global pressure against Israel, saying it would “make it more difficult…because, as we’ve heard, there’s young soldiers who are so downcast by world opinion. World condemnation is really opposed to Israel, so it weaponizes it some way.”

He argued that a two-state plan is unworkable for Israeli security and referred to recent terror attacks. Karen believes domestic politics are amplifying anti-Israel sentiment and notes that many Members of Parliament rely on the Muslim vote.

“I would say in the main [for the most part], Labour are antisemitic in their policies and manner,” she said. visit to the United Kingdom and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s perceived wavering, noting, “He seems to straddle between two platforms.”

The Beatties also emphasized the challenge of political leaders operating outside a biblical framework, pointing out that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – a Jew but also an avowed atheist – is blind to the covenantal promises at the heart of the conflict.

Framing the issue through scripture, including Joel 3 and Genesis 12, Karen warned of national consequences if the British government supported partition. “Our prayer is that they will not make this announcement and proposal for a Palestinian state because we know that will bring judgment on the UK.”

They are staunch defenders of Israel’s right to strike Hamas leadership abroad as a protective measure amid the ongoing hostage crisis. Karen acknowledged the strain on Israel’s leadership and how Netanyahu needs wisdom “like Solomon” when it comes to the issue of the hostages and a ceasefire.

During the interview, Calvert and the Beatties discussed rising antisemitism across UK cities, urging British Jews to consider making aliyah (immigrating to Israel).

Listen to the Beatties' perspectives regarding biblical convictions, intercession strategy, concerns about appeasement, Churchill-era precedents, and a call to “comfort” the Jewish people.

Click here to learn more about the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem - UK (ICEJ-UK).

Click below to listen to the full interview.