Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK has been invited to join US President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace but “won’t be one of the signatories today.” Speaking from Davos on 22 January, she described it as a legal treaty with wider implications and cited concern over Vladimir Putin’s potential participation given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Cooper added that the UK supports the US 20‑point plan for Gaza but will continue discussions with allies before making any decision on the treaty. (itv.com)
Trump launched the Board of Peace at a signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum, arguing it would work “in conjunction with the United Nations” and, once fully formed, could “do pretty much whatever we want,” language that has fuelled questions about scope and accountability. The White House presentation focused on Gaza demilitarisation and reconstruction while signalling broader ambitions beyond the Middle East. (washingtonpost.com)
Key US allies have withheld support, and none of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council have committed to join. Leaders and representatives from around 19 countries appeared on stage at the launch, including Argentina, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and others, underscoring a mixed reception and a limited early European presence. (theguardian.com)
The draft charter sets out renewable three‑year membership terms, with countries able to obtain a permanent seat by contributing $1bn in cash. Reporting also notes that the 11‑page text omits any reference to Gaza, despite US statements positioning the initiative around Gaza’s ceasefire and reconstruction. (tbsnews.net)
A leaked version of the charter indicates membership is by invitation of the Chairman; the Chairman holds final authority over interpretation of the charter; and the text would enter into force once three states consent to be bound by it. The document also empowers the Chairman to adopt directives and provides for dissolution or renewal at the Chairman’s discretion. (reason.com)
The administration named an initial executive group that includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presidential adviser Jared Kushner, envoy Steve Witkoff and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others. Blair’s role has drawn debate in Westminster given the structure and remit of the body. (aljazeera.com)
The Board’s Gaza‑related mandate interacts with a UN framework agreed last year. In November 2025, the UN Security Council endorsed a US‑backed Gaza plan that welcomed establishment of a Board of Peace and authorised a temporary International Stabilization Force to support demilitarisation and humanitarian access. Several accounts place that authorisation on a time‑limited basis to 2027. (palestine.un.org)
For the UK, Cooper’s stance reflects a preference to work through established institutions while scrutinising any treaty that could overlap or conflict with UN roles. She reiterated support for moving into a “phase two” Gaza process but stopped short of binding the UK to the Board’s charter at this stage. (itv.com)
If ministers were to pursue accession later, ratification would be governed by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which requires most treaties to be laid before Parliament for 21 sitting days, allowing the Commons to object. Participation in a new international organisation would typically also require domestic measures to grant legal personality and privileges under the International Organisations Act 1968. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
The geopolitics are sensitive. Trump has invited Putin to participate; the Kremlin has said it is still studying the offer, while Trump has publicly suggested acceptance. UK ministers argue that Russian involvement is hard to reconcile with the Kremlin’s conduct in Ukraine, a factor weighing on London’s position. (theguardian.com)
A parallel irritant in UK‑US relations eased this week when Trump withdrew a threatened tariff package against eight European states tied to his Greenland demands after talks with NATO’s secretary general. European leaders insisted sovereignty was not negotiable; Trump said there was a framework for future Arctic security talks and ruled out using force. (washingtonpost.com)
Next steps now sit with capitals. The Board’s charter can take effect once three states sign and consent to be bound, enabling operations to begin even without UK participation. London’s decision window will therefore be shaped by how the new body works alongside the UN in Gaza and whether governance provisions address the concerns Cooper set out. (reason.com)