The UK will not immediately sign up to U.S. President Donald Trump proposed Board of Peace, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper citing concerns about the possible involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to the BBC from Davos, Cooper confirmed that the UK had received an invitation to join the initiative but would not be among the countries signing the agreement at an expected ceremony during the World Economic Forum.
Legal Treaty Raises Broader Questions
Cooper described the Board of Peace as more than a political initiative, saying it amounted to a binding legal treaty with implications far beyond its original focus on ending the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
She said the proposed charter raised wider issues that required careful consideration before the UK could commit.
While the UK strongly supports Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, Cooper said London wanted to play a role specifically in the second phase of the peace process rather than signing the broader treaty at this stage.
Concerns Over Putin’s Role
At Davos, Trump said Putin had accepted an invitation to join the Board of Peace. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed this, and Putin earlier said Russia was still reviewing the proposal.
Cooper said the UK remained uneasy about the idea of Putin taking part in an organisation focused on peace while Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.
She said there had been no clear indication that Moscow was prepared to make meaningful commitments toward peace in Ukraine, adding that pressure should remain firmly focused on that issue.
International Support for the Initiative
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Qatar, have said they intend to become members of the board.
Pakistan has also indicated it will join, while the Vatican confirmed that the Pope had received an invitation.
Strained Diplomacy and the Greenland Issue
UK–US relations have faced fresh strain after Trump threatened tariffs against European nations unless control of Greenland was transferred to the United States.
However, Trump later softened his position, saying Washington was exploring a negotiated solution following talks with NATO, dropping tariff threats and ruling out the use of force.
Cooper welcomed the shift, saying the UK and its European partners had presented constructive proposals on Arctic security.
UK Stance on Ukraine Remains Firm
Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, the UK has remained one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters. Alongside France, it has signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops if a peace agreement with Russia is reached.
As efforts to end the war continue, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to meet in Davos, with Trump repeating his view that both sides are close to a deal.
Inside the Board of Peace Proposal
Originally presented as part of a plan to rebuild Gaza, leaked sections of the Board of Peace charter suggest a far broader mandate. The document describes the body as an international organisation aimed at promoting stability, restoring governance and securing long-term peace in conflict-affected regions.
Under the proposal, the charter would come into force once three countries formally agree to it. Membership terms would last three years, with permanent seats available to states contributing $1 billion (£740 million).
The draft also gives Trump a central role as chairman, with authority to appoint executive board members and create or dissolve subsidiary bodies.
Founding Members Named
The White House has already named seven founding members of the executive board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former UK prime minister Tony Blair.
For now, the UK says it will continue discussions with allies before deciding whether to formally join the initiative.