In a move that raised eyebrows across Europe, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair attended the launch of Donald Trump’s new “Peace Board” in Davos today, even as the British government signaled it would not be participating.
Blair, serving as an executive member alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was personally mentioned by the US President during the ceremony.
Trump praised the level of interest in joining the board, highlighting it as a major step toward global peace initiatives.
UK Government Voices Concerns Over Putin’s Involvement
Hours before the event, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the UK would be sitting out, citing worries over the invitation extended to Vladimir Putin.
Cooper told BBC Breakfast that Britain could not sign on to an initiative claiming to promote peace while one of the invited leaders had not demonstrated a genuine commitment to peace, particularly in Ukraine.
“This is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues, and we do also have concerns about President Putin being part of something which is talking about peace,” Cooper said.
Minister Kemi Badenoch echoed this caution on Sky News, stating she was firmly against serving on any board alongside Putin at this time.
European Nations Mostly Hesitant
The UK is far from alone in its hesitation.
France has outright refused to join, Italy has delayed its decision, and most other European nations are holding off participation.
Denmark, central to Trump’s controversial Greenland remarks, was notably absent from the invite list, whereas countries like Belarus, viewed as a Russian ally, are included.
Hungary and Belgium were the only European nations present at the launch ceremony today, signaling a lukewarm reception for the initiative across the continent.
Who’s On the Board So Far?
Trump claims the board already includes countries across the Middle East, Asia, and South America.
Members reportedly include Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan.
Trump has also insisted that Putin has agreed to join, although the Kremlin has stated it is still reviewing the invitation.
Questions About Purpose and Funding
Originally intended, according to Trump, to help rebuild Gaza after the conflict between Hamas and Israel, the board’s charter does not actually mention the Middle East crisis.
Instead, it broadly describes the organization as promoting stability, restoring lawful governance, and securing peace in conflict-affected areas.
Critics have raised concerns that the board, which requires a £1 billion fee for permanent membership, could be seen as an attempt to overshadow the UN.
A US official confirmed that contributing the fee is optional, but those who do are granted permanent membership instead of a standard three-year term.
Trump himself will chair the board, control its funds, and personally appoint any successors.
When asked whether Blair was aware of the £1 billion fee for permanent membership, a spokeswoman clarified that Blair’s role is purely unpaid and focused on implementing the Gaza peace plan endorsed by the UN, not determining membership.
What’s Next for the Peace Board?
While the launch has generated significant media attention, questions remain about the board’s legitimacy, its real objectives, and the political dynamics of inviting controversial figures like Putin.
With most of Europe staying cautious and only a handful of nations officially participating, the board faces an uphill battle in establishing credibility as a global peacekeeping body.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn