Comedy writer Graham Linehan has criticised the Prime Minister's decision to recognise a Palestinian statehood with a provocative social media post.
The Father Ted creator took to social media on Sunday evening to express his disagreement with the decision.
He penned: "What will Starmer do if there's another Manchester arena-like atrocity? Give them Manchester?"
The controversial comparison referenced the 2017 terrorist attack that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert.
Graham Linehan was arrested over three tweets | GB NEWSMr Linehan's tweet came hours after Sir Keir Starmer announced Britain would formally recognise Palestine as a state.
The 57-year-old writer, who now lives in Arizona, has become increasingly outspoken on political issues following his departure from the UK.
His latest comments add to a pattern of contentious public statements that have dominated his recent media presence.
Mr Linehan's public profile has shifted dramatically following his arrest by five officers at Heathrow Airport earlier this month.
The detention was related to social media posts he had made while residing in the United States about transgender issues.
What will Starmer do if there's another Manchester arena-like atrocity? Give them Manchester?
— Graham Linehan 🎗️ (@Glinner) September 21, 2025
The comedy writer relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, after claiming his life in Britain had become "unbearable". He told a podcast that he secured a three-year visa and hopes to obtain permanent residency.
His departure followed a court appearance concerning allegations of harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone.
Mr Linehan has stated that his career and personal relationships, including his 16-year marriage, collapsed after he posted: "Men aren't women tho", in response to a Women's Institute Pride message.
The writer maintains he has spent eight years advocating for women's rights and raising concerns about gender clinics.
Sir Keir Starmer revealed Britain's formal recognition of Palestine in a video statement released on Sunday, positioning the UK alongside more than 150 nations that have taken this step.
The Prime Minister described the decision as essential for preserving prospects of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The announcement preceded this week's UN General Assembly, with Australia and Canada making comparable declarations shortly before Britain's move.
Mr Starmer acknowledged that recognition would neither alleviate Gaza's humanitarian emergency nor secure the release of Hamas-held hostages.
Sir Keir Starmer used a social media post to make the announcement on Sunday
| X / KEIR STARMERThe Prime Minister characterised Hamas as a "brutal terror organisation" and pledged enhanced sanctions against the group.
He emphasised that Britain's commitment to a two-state solution stood in direct opposition to Hamas's ideology.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the recognition as "absurd" and "simply a reward for terrorism".
Linehan currently collaborates with former Saturday Night Live performer Rob Schneider and playwright Andrew Doyle on a new comedy project called Tenure.
Mr Schneider facilitated Linehan's American visa arrangements and brought him to work on various productions.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Graham Linehan recently spoke out on GB News about his arrest
| GB NEWSDuring his appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Mr Linehan displayed injuries from a scooter accident in Scottsdale. He described feeling "great and free" before falling whilst riding for the first time.
Doyle recently argued that free speech in Britain is "on life-support" and suggested Linehan's arrest might represent a "tipping point" for public action.
He condemned what he termed the "grotesque" state harassment of the comedy writer.
Linehan expressed his intention to become indispensable to American entertainment, hoping his three-year visa will lead to permanent residency.