It was meant to be a proud diplomatic moment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer — a chance to stand alongside global leaders and celebrate a historic peace deal in Gaza.
But instead, the visit to Egypt turned into an uncomfortable spectacle that left the British PM red-faced and critics mocking his every move.
Starmer had flown to Sharm el-Sheikh for what was billed as a major signing ceremony, following Donald Trump’s announcement of a breakthrough Gaza peace agreement.
What he didn’t expect, however, was to be left waiting in the wings — quite literally — while the former U.S. president took centre stage.
A Ceremony Gone Sideways
Reports from the summit say Starmer and other world leaders were kept waiting for hours as Trump made a highly publicized stop in Israel to meet freed Hamas hostages and soak in the global spotlight.
When he finally arrived in Egypt, the scene that followed was equal parts tense and awkward.
As Trump began a long and unscripted speech, he made sure to mention almost every country in attendance — even Paraguay and Norway — before eventually turning to the United Kingdom.
By that point, Starmer, visibly eager for his turn, jokingly raised his hand and said, “Behind you as usual.”
The line drew some polite laughter, and Trump responded warmly, motioning him forward.
But what came next was the political equivalent of being left hanging.
After shaking hands, Trump turned back to the microphone and simply continued his speech, leaving Starmer standing awkwardly before shuffling back to his place among the leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who stood nearby, was reportedly amused by the entire exchange.
Trying to Make the Best of It
In an attempt to salvage the optics, Starmer later posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of the handshake moment, writing,
“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.”
But that post didn’t quiet his critics. Conservative MPs quickly pounced, accusing him of showing up merely for a photo opportunity and comparing him to footballer John Terry, who famously wore full kit to lift the Champions League trophy despite not playing in the final.
Some even argued that Starmer’s presence risked undermining the delicate peace process, especially after his government’s controversial move to formally recognize Palestine as a state just weeks earlier.
U.S. Officials Attempt to Ease Tensions
The awkwardness didn’t stop there. The Trump administration’s Middle East envoy reportedly had to calm things down after the U.S. ambassador to Israel called a UK Cabinet minister “delusional” for claiming Britain had played a key role in brokering the deal.
That left Starmer on the defensive once again — this time over Tony Blair’s possible role in the post-conflict Gaza administration.
Asked whether the former Labour leader would serve on the newly proposed Gaza peace board, Starmer sidestepped, saying it was “for others to decide.”
Starmer’s Response to Blair’s Potential Role
Pressed on the issue, the PM said he was “more interested in practical steps than personalities.”
He did, however, offer praise for Blair, calling him “a great leader of our country who would make a huge contribution.”
Starmer clarified that discussions about the board’s membership were still ongoing and emphasized that he had not put himself forward for any role in the post-conflict administration.
“I’m focused on what we need to do tomorrow — and I mean tomorrow — to make sure this peace deal is actually implemented,” he said.
A Diplomatic Lesson in Optics
For a prime minister hoping to project global leadership, the Sharm el-Sheikh summit was a harsh reminder that international diplomacy often comes with its share of uncomfortable moments.
What should have been a photo of partnership turned into a symbol of political miscalculation — one that Starmer’s critics will likely not let him forget anytime soon.