Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions has come out batting for Sir Keir Starmer after a row broke out over the UK’s involvement in Middle East peace talks.
Steve Witkoff paid tribute to the “vital role” played by Britain in “assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel”, continuing the theme of Mr Trump being an unlikely supporter of the prime minister.
It came after both Israel and the country’s US ambassador rejected Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson’s claim that Britain played a “key role behind the scenes” in securing the Gaza ceasefire.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, said she would “have to contradict” the idea that Britain was a leading player behind the scenes, as well as criticising the UK’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Meanwhile, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who was part of the president’s negotiating team for the peace deal, said the minister was “delusional”, adding that she can “thank Donald Trump any time”.
He was responding to Ms Phillipson’s attempt to defend Britain’s diplomatic efforts towards ending the conflict in Gaza, where a fragile truce is holding following an agreement brokered by Donald Trump.
“We have played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this,” Ms Phillipson told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.
When asked to elaborate on Britain’s contribution, she added: “These are complex matters of diplomacy that we are involved in, but we do welcome and recognise the critical role that the American government played in getting us to this point.”
But later in the day, as Sir Keir was gearing up to join other world leaders at a peace summit on the Middle East, Ms Haskel said: “The government of the UK, Macron’s plan, the whole conversation about declaring a Palestinian state – we disagree with you.”
Asked about Ms Phillipson’s characterisation of the UK’s efforts, she told Sky News: “Well, I have to contradict her words, unfortunately.
“With the declaration of the Palestinian state during a very sensitive time two months ago when the teams were already around the table negotiating, when we truly believe we are able to reach a deal, the message that the UK government sent Hamas was ... that: the longer they continue this war, they will be rewarded.”
The UK joined countries including France, Australia and Canada last month in confirming recognition of Palestinian statehood in a historic move leaders said was intended to safeguard the prospect of a two-state solution.
Asked about the row, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said he won’t “get into a ‘he said, she said’” – but pointed to Mr Witkoff’s defence of Britain’s role in the talks.
The US special envoy for peace missions had posted to X on Monday: “I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.
“In particular, I want to recognise the incredible input and tireless efforts of national security adviser Jonathan Powell.”
Mr Falconer told Sky News: “I’ve been absolutely clear on the very, very important role that I think President Trump and his team, including Special Envoy Witkoff played in these negotiations.
“I see that Special Envoy Witkoff has called out the UK’s vital role in this, which is a generous and welcome statement.
“I don’t think it’s at all out of keeping with what the education secretary said yesterday, so I’m not really going to get into a ‘he said, she said’ about this.”
But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch seized on Mr Witkoff’s comments, saying his social media post was “very sad” and showed the government was “having to beg” for praise.
“I was not born yesterday. I think it is actually very sad that the government is having to beg people to send tweets to say something nice about Jonathan Powell”, she said.
“The American ambassador to Israel has actually criticised the government, saying they are delusional for saying that they have anything to do with this peace deal.
“I think that that is quite tragic, the way that the UK’s reputation is falling under this Labour government.”
Sir Keir will attend the “signing ceremony” for the Gaza peace plan in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, where he is expected to heap praise on Mr Trump and the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
The prime minister will pay “particular tribute” to the US leader and partners in the region for “bringing us to this point” before calling for “swift progress towards phase two”, Downing Street said.
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