Keir Starmer found himself at the centre of a series of cringeworthy moments during the Egypt peace summit, as footage emerged of the Prime Minister awkwardly clapping and lingering in the background.
The Labour leader, who attended the signing ceremony on Monday, was accused of trying to piggyback on the high-profile event.
Fumbling Through the Stage Spotlight
One particularly awkward clip shows Sir Keir standing behind Donald Trump on stage while the former US president prepared to deliver a speech.
Starmer placed an item on the floor as applause broke out, only to start clapping again in a slow, exaggerated manner once the initial applause subsided.
Earlier, he and other world leaders had been left waiting in Sharm el-Sheikh for hours as Trump met freed Hamas hostages in Israel.
Hovering and Small Talk
Footage captured Starmer alternating between making small talk with fellow leaders and hovering behind them.
When Trump finally addressed the gathering, Starmer fidgeted on the podium, while Trump made pointed remarks about the leaders present, even praising Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The United Kingdom Moment
Trump eventually called out for the United Kingdom, prompting Starmer to raise his arm and quip, “behind you as usual,” before stepping forward to shake Trump’s hand.
However, rather than inviting him to speak, Trump continued his address, leaving Starmer momentarily stranded on the stage.
Meloni appeared amused by the exchange as Starmer returned to his place among the other leaders.
Starmer Attempts to Highlight Peace Efforts
Trying to make the most of the moment, Starmer posted a photo of the handshake on X, stating, “President Trump, this is your achievement.
I thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver this moment. The UK stands ready to support a full implementation of the peace plan.”
Critics compared Starmer to footballer John Terry, suggesting his attendance was more of a photo opportunity than a substantive contribution.
Questions Over UK’s Role and Past Recognition
Starmer has faced scrutiny after recognising Palestine as a state last month, a move some feared could disrupt the peace process.
He was also questioned about Tony Blair’s potential role on the proposed Gaza peace board.
While Blair was mentioned in a White House plan, Starmer deflected, emphasising practical steps over personal appointments: “For my part, I have to say, I’m much more interested in the practical steps.
That’s what matters tomorrow, not which people sit on which board.”
Trump’s Late Arrival and Ceremony Highlights
Trump arrived hours late for the gathering of more than 20 world leaders. No representatives from Israel or Hamas were present at the signing, during which Trump received Egypt’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Nile.
Leaders, including Starmer, filed through to shake his hand as Trump hailed the “historic agreement” as fulfilling the prayers of millions.
Macron and Trump Exchange Adds to the Spectacle
Starmer was not the only leader caught in an awkward moment.
A bizarre encounter unfolded between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, which appeared at first to be a friendly handshake but quickly turned into what resembled an arm wrestle, with both leaders swinging each other’s hands while exchanging intense conversation.
Lip readers suggest the dialogue was pointed, though the exact content remains unclear.
A Colourful Summit for World Leaders
The summit was peppered with these tense and sometimes humorous interactions, highlighting the challenges world leaders face in balancing diplomacy with media spectacle.
Starmer, despite his awkward stage presence, focused on projecting support for the peace plan, even if his moment in the spotlight didn’t go exactly as planned.