Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been approached to take a seat on a new Gaza 'peace board' established by former US President Donald Trump as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
An Invitation from the Trump Administration
A senior member of the Trump administration extended the offer to the British leader. While a formal invitation is still pending, sources indicate Starmer is likely to accept the position. Discussions regarding the board's final composition are reportedly ongoing.
The board, which will be chaired by Trump himself, is intended to temporarily oversee the governance and manage the vast reconstruction of Gaza following the devastating conflict. It will comprise a select group of world leaders, with US media suggesting an announcement on its membership could come this week.
Blair Dropped Amid Regional Objections
Initially, former Prime Minister Tony Blair was tipped for a role. Blair had publicly endorsed the US plans, calling them "the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering."
However, Blair was quietly removed from consideration after several Middle Eastern nations voiced strong objections, a reflection of the enduring scepticism and hostility towards his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Starmer's International Stance and Domestic Defence
This development highlights the productive relationship Starmer has cultivated with President Trump, despite their divergence over the UK's decision to recognise the state of Palestine last year.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump confirmed the board was being formed, stating, "Essentially, it’s the most important leaders of the most important nations. You take the most important leaders and nations, that’s who the board of peace is going to be."
In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was questioned on the matter. She reiterated the government's support for the ceasefire plan, adding, "There’s a huge amount of work still to do but it’s really important that the whole international community comes together in order to support that."
Separately, Starmer has recently defended his active international travel schedule to Labour MPs. He argued that being "in the room" for crucial negotiations on trade and defence is essential, as the outcomes directly impact the UK's domestic economy and the cost of living.
