Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the Commons on Tuesday, offering a cautious endorsement of the Gaza ceasefire brokered with US President Donald Trump's involvement. After a visit to Egypt where Trump dominated the spotlight, Starmer stressed that the agreement was only the first tentative step towards lasting peace in the Middle East.
Starmer thanked Trump for his role, acknowledging the president's influence. However, he tempered celebrations with pragmatic warnings, noting that war had become a way of life in the region and that the ceasefire could unravel within weeks. He emphasised the need for a permanent solution, not just a temporary halt.
The Prime Minister outlined Britain's behind-the-scenes contributions, including recognising a Palestinian state, which he said helped other Arab nations condemn Hamas. He drew parallels with the Good Friday agreement, highlighting the slow, painstaking work required for decommissioning weapons and building trust.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded with a partisan attack, accusing Starmer of welcoming terrorists back into Gaza – a claim the Prime Minister had explicitly rejected. She ignored a tweet from US envoy Steve Witkoff praising the efforts of UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell. Badenoch's remarks were widely seen as a missed opportunity to support a promising peace initiative.
Starmer reiterated that Hamas would have no part in a future Palestinian state, underscoring the need for a plan acceptable to both sides. He urged patience and realism, warning against expecting quick fixes in a region scarred by decades of conflict.
