UK Holds Off On Joining Trump’s Board of Peace Over Putin Concerns
The UK has decided not to take part in the signing ceremony for Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos over concerns about Russia’s potential involvement.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that Britain has been invited to join the initiative and supports the US president’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. However, she said that the UK will not be signing up to the Board of Peace for now because the proposal goes far beyond its original focus. “We won’t be one of the signatories today, because this is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues,” Cooper said.
A major sticking point for the UK is the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take part. Trump said this week that Putin had accepted an invitation, but the Kremlin has said that it is still reviewing the details.
Downing Street confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also stay away from the ceremony, a move that is likely going to be seen as a snub to the US president. UK officials say they are still examining the terms of the board and will continue discussions with its allies about how, or whether, Britain could be involved later.
What is the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace was initially presented by the White House as a small group of leaders to oversee a ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza. Since then, it has expanded into a much broader body, with ambitions to step into conflict mediation roles usually associated with the United Nations.
Leaked details of its charter suggest it would be a formal international organisation with powers under international law. Trump would act as chair and hold authority over its structure, while countries contributing large sums of money could secure permanent seats.
Around 35 countries are said to have agreed to join, with about 60 invited in total. Nations including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Israel have all shown their support for the organisation. Others, such as France, Norway and Sweden, have said they will not take part for now, echoing concerns about the board’s scope and its relationship with the UN. Italy is also expected to decline. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has also been invited, has said it is difficult to imagine sitting on the same body as Russia while the war continues.
Trump has brushed off criticism of the board, praising the initiative as “the most prestigious board ever formed” and arguing that existing international institutions have failed to prevent conflicts. UN officials, meanwhile, have downplayed fears that the new body could replace the organisation.
Despite skipping the signing, the UK says it remains committed to working with partners on peace efforts in Gaza and will stay engaged in talks about the board’s future direction.
