Keir Starmer has been offered a place on Donald Trump's Gaza 'peace board', established as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The prime minister was approached by a senior member of the Trump administration and is expected to accept, though a formal invitation has not yet been received, according to the Guardian.
The board, chaired by Trump himself, will temporarily oversee the running of Gaza and manage its reconstruction. It is expected to consist of world leaders, with US media reports suggesting Trump could announce its membership as early as this week. Starmer has cultivated a good relationship with the US president despite disagreements over the UK's recognition of Palestine.
Former prime minister Tony Blair was initially considered for the board but was dropped after objections from some Middle Eastern nations over his role in the 2003 Iraq war. Instead, Blair is expected to join a separate executive board alongside Trump's advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Speaking on Air Force One, Trump said the board would include 'the most important leaders of the most important nations'. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed UK support for the ceasefire plan but noted the fragility of the agreement and the need for continued international cooperation.
Starmer has defended his international engagements, telling Labour MPs that being 'in the room' for negotiations on trade and defence is essential for addressing domestic issues such as the cost of living.
