Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly set to accept a significant diplomatic role on former US President Donald Trump's newly proposed 'Board of Peace'. The international body is designed to oversee the governance and redevelopment of Gaza following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas last October.
The Structure of Trump's Peace Plan
As a central pillar of his 20-point peace plan for the Middle East, Mr Trump has advocated for the creation of a transitional international authority. This 'Board of Peace' would be headed and chaired by the US President himself, alongside other global leaders. According to reports, Sir Keir is now poised to join this high-profile group.
A senior British official indicated to The Times that the board's inaugural meeting is likely to take place next week. The gathering is scheduled to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Initially, the White House's plan envisaged former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair taking a seat. However, Middle Eastern states are said to have raised objections to Sir Tony's full membership, linked to his decision to commit British troops to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He is now expected to join a separate 'executive board' instead.
Starmer Defends Foreign Policy Focus
The potential appointment comes as Sir Keir faces domestic criticism over his extensive international travel, with some detractors dubbing him 'never here Keir'. Pressure is mounting for him to concentrate more on the government's domestic agenda amid declining poll ratings for Labour.
Addressing these concerns at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday night, the Prime Minister robustly defended his foreign engagement. "In a world this volatile – you have to be on the pitch," Sir Keir stated. He argued that critical issues for working people, from the cost-of-living crisis to securing trade deals for companies like Jaguar Land Rover, cannot be solved through isolationism or gesture politics.
Next Steps and International Reaction
Over the weekend, Donald Trump confirmed the board's formation was underway, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, "Essentially it's the most important leaders of the most important nations... Everybody wants to be on it." Despite the advanced reports, a UK Government source noted that no formal invitation for Sir Keir to join the Board of Peace had yet been extended.
If Sir Keir accepts the role, it would mark a substantial commitment to a US-led initiative aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza. The move underscores his stated belief that global challenges require active, direct involvement from world leaders.
