Tony Blair back on the big stage… but for how long? Former prime minister beams beside Trump – as rumours swirl around his future ‘running Gaza’
Tony Blair was seen smiling alongside Donald Trump as the pair attended the Gaza peace summit in Egypt today.
The former British Prime Minister appeared in good spirits after the US President appointed him as a potential member of the ‘Peace Board’ that will oversee the Gaza region.
But doubts have been cast over Sir Tony’s future after Trump admitted he was unsure about appointing him due to concerns about the former Prime Minister’s ‘popularity’.
The two posed for photos together at the peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh today.
But overnight, Trump clarified his idea for Air Force One to go to Israel, adding that he wanted the Peace Board to be up and running quickly.
Discussing Sir Tony’s future, the President said: ‘I have always liked Tony but I want to know that he is an acceptable choice to everyone.
‘I want to know if Tony will be popular with everyone because I don’t know that.’
The former Labor leader remains a controversial figure in the region for his role in the Iraq War.
Sir Tony Blair was seen smiling alongside Donald Trump as the pair attended the Gaza peace summit in Egypt today
Trump and Sir Tony shake hands while posing for photos during the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Doubts have been cast over Sir Tony’s future after Trump admitted he was unsure about appointing him due to concerns about the former prime minister’s ‘popularity’
Sir Tony attends world leaders’ summit on ending the Gaza war on 13 October 2025
The former Labor leader remains a controversial figure in the region for his role in the Iraq War
He was also the Quartet’s Middle East envoy after leaving Number 10.
Mr. Trump will personally chair the board that will be tasked with overseeing an interim administrative authority for Gaza.
Jonathan Powell, Sir Tony’s former No 10 private secretary, is now Keir Starmer’s national security adviser.
Mr Powell was praised today by US envoy Steve Witkoff for his role in delivering the Gaza deal.
But Sir Keir, who is in Egypt for the signing ceremony today, appeared unperturbed about Sir Tony’s involvement in the peace deal.
Last week he described the deal as a ‘real breakthrough’ but raised questions about the potential role of his predecessor, saying: ‘To be really honest, I’m less interested in the discussions about personnel than the implementation of it.’
He added: ‘The UK has played an important role behind the scenes in these negotiations, working with US mediators, and we stand ready to play our part in their implementation.’
A grinning Mr Trump posed for photos with Sir Keir and Sir Tony, as well as the Palestinian Authority’s Mahmoud Abbas, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Türkiye’s Recep Erdogan.
Others lining up to greet the US President included, surprisingly, FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The world football boss has become a close ally of Mr Trump and has publicly called for the US President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the Gaza crisis.
Sir Keir Starmer joined the queue of world leaders waiting to shake Donald Trump’s hand at the Gaza peace summit today
Trump shakes hands with Frenchman Emmanuel Macron at the peace summit today
While awaiting Mr Trump’s arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, Sir Keir held talks with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Qatar and Turkey on the outskirts of the summit.
The prime minister has been accused of piggybacking on Mr Trump’s Gaza push.
On Monday morning he praised Mr Trump’s ‘tireless diplomatic efforts’ and credited him with securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
But Sir Keir was accused of traveling to Egypt only for a ‘photoshoot’ after risking derailing the process by recognizing Palestine as a state last month.
The Tories likened the Prime Minister to former Chelsea player John Terry, who was fully fit to lift the Champions League trophy despite not playing in the final.
The Trump administration’s Middle East envoy had previously sought to defuse tensions after the US ambassador to Israel branded a Cabinet minister a ‘dreamer’ who suggested Britain played a ‘key role’.
Steve Witkoff praised Britain’s ‘vital role’ and singled out under-fire national security adviser Jonathan Powell for his ‘incredible contribution’.
