UK had 'vital role' in Gaza plan, insists Trump envoy

Witkoff intervenes amid row over Britain's involvement

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions has come out batting for Sir Keir Starmer after a row broke out over the UK’s involvement in Middle East peace talks.

Steve Witkoff paid tribute to the “vital role” played by Britain in “assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel”, continuing the theme of Mr Trump being an unlikely supporter of the prime minister.

It came after both Israel and the country’s US ambassador rejected cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson’s claim that Britain played a “key role behind the scenes” in securing the Gaza ceasefire.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, said she would “have to contradict” the idea that Britain was a leading player behind the scenes, as well as criticising the UK’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who was part of the president's negotiating team for the peace deal, said the minister was “delusional”, adding that she can “thank Donald Trump any time”.