Strongman Trump shows how weak Starmer really is

SIR KEIR Starmer’s photo-op at this week’s Gaza peace treaty summed up his superficial contribution to the plan. As US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee tweeted on social media site X, Labour was “delusional” to think the UK has played any part in the diplomacy that led to this historic moment. A dash to Egypt to shake a few hands certainly doesn’t qualify.

- Tim Newark Political commentator

DELUSIONAL: Starmer poses as Trump's equal at Gaza peace talks on Monday

The truth is Starmer can’t even dissuade a mob of anti-Semitic students from marching in London on the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist outrage, let alone shape matters on the international stage.

In contrast, US President Donald Trump, the summit’s real deal-maker, has never looked so strong.

Starmer’s “big” contribution was to use recognition of the state of Palestine as a deadline threat to Israel to bring about a ceasefire. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly ignored it and rightly condemned the posturing as a reward for terrorism. The US was irritated by the empty gesture while Hamas called it a “victory.” Well judged Sir Keir!

WORRYINGLY, this is no anomaly. Time and time again, Starmer has aligned himself with the wrong side.

He has pulled closer to Emmanuel Macron as the French president is at his political weakest, submitted to China by surrendering the UK’s strategic base in the Indian Ocean and is now facing huge questions about what his advisors knew following the collapse of the China spy trial.