Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pointedly declined to give his full endorsement to a new international 'Board of Peace' proposed by US President Donald Trump, as the UK government expresses serious concerns over its $1billion membership cost and operational framework.
Diplomatic Hesitation Over Cost and Control
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Sir Keir stated he was 'supportive of the measures being taken across the Middle East', particularly the recent ceasefire, but stopped short of committing Britain to join the new body. 'We're talking to allies about the terms of the Board of Peace,' he said, in a response that may be viewed as a public snub of President Trump's flagship initiative.
According to a draft charter seen for the proposed group, President Trump would serve as its inaugural chairman with sole discretion over membership invitations. The document stipulates that each member nation would pay $1billion for a three-year term, subject to renewal by the US President himself.
Concerns Over Rival to UN and Russian Involvement
British ministers are reportedly alarmed by the lack of clarity on where the vast membership fee would be directed and the legal basis for the board's operations. There are also underlying fears that President Trump is attempting to establish a rival organisation to the United Nations, an institution he has frequently criticised.
These concerns are likely to be amplified after the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to join the body, referred to by Moscow as a 'Peace Council'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated they are 'studying all the details' and hope to clarify nuances with the American side.
Blair's Role and the Middle East Peace Plan
The Board of Peace forms part of 'phase two' of President Trump's 20-point plan for the Middle East, intended to oversee the redevelopment of Gaza following the 'phase one' ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in October.
Initially, former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was slated to sit on the board. However, following reported objections from Middle Eastern states over his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, he has now been listed on a 'founding executive board' to lead long-term peace efforts, alongside former Trump administration officials.
While Sir Keir expressed a need to 'press on to phase two' and indicated a willingness for the UK to 'play our part', his government's significant reservations about the financial and structural details of the Board of Peace have led to a notably cautious public stance, leaving Britain's participation in serious doubt.
