In a surprising move, former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has agreed to sit on the executive of Donald Trump’s newly launched “Board of Peace” despite British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s refusal to join the initiative. The Board, originally created to govern Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, now appears to have a wider role in promoting peace across the globe.
President Trump welcomed Blair’s involvement, thanking him for “being here” at the launch event in Davos. However, the UK government has expressed concerns about potential Russian involvement in the plan, with Cooper stating that Britain “won’t be one of the signatories today” due to the legal treaty’s broader implications.
The Board, which Trump has described as having the “chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created,” has attracted around 35 countries so far. But the UK’s decision to abstain highlights the political divisions surrounding the initiative.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is still consulting with its “strategic partners” before deciding whether to commit to the plan. Meanwhile, Trump was joined in Davos by other controversial figures, including Argentinian President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Despite the UK’s reservations, Blair has expressed his eagerness to work with the Board “in line with the President’s vision to promote peace and prosperity.” The move has raised eyebrows, with some critics describing the Board as Trump’s attempt to create an alternative to the United Nations, with the US President as its chairman.
As the world watches the unfolding developments, the “Board of Peace” continues to divide global leaders, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges in achieving lasting peace.
