Dawn Neesom has delivered a blunt assessment of the Labour Government’s claim that Britain "played a key role" in securing the Gaza ceasefire.
Speaking on GB News, Dawn said the Government’s self-congratulation over the deal was “delusional” and accused ministers of overstating the UK’s involvement.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has defended the UK’s role in efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, where a fragile truce is now holding following a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.
“We have played an important role behind the scenes in shaping this outcome,” she told reporters on Sunday.
Dawn Neesom said that Britain has 'done nothing'
|Dawn Neesom
When asked to clarify the nature of Britain’s contribution, she said: “These are complex diplomatic matters, but we recognise and welcome the crucial role the American government played in bringing us to this point.”
The deal will see Hamas release dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Under the plan, Gaza will be run by a committee of Palestinian officials overseen by an international body, potentially including former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
She said: "Keir Starmer has claimed that we’ve had more involvement in this peace deal than we actually have.
"Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, was on TV yesterday defending the Government’s role, while Starmer himself is over there at the signing, really talking it up.
"Mike Huckabee has criticised this, calling it 'delusional.' Under the US President’s plan, Gaza will be run by a committee of Palestinian officials overseen by an international body potentially including Tony Blair.
"So we’re claiming a lot of credit here, but I don’t think we’ve done very much at all.
"A lot of people, particularly within the Jewish community, are offended by the fact that Keir Starmer is claiming so much credit, especially since the UK was one of the countries to recognise Palestine as a state before any hostages were released.
"Many believe that’s done more harm to the peace process than good. Personally, I agree, it feels a bit like a John Kerry moment."
Hamas has released the first batch of seven surviving Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, marking the start of a hostage-prisoner swap under the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump arrived in Israel today to see the hostages released
|REUTERS
The US leader declared the Gaza was “over” as he flew to the region as world leaders gather for a summit in Egypt.
The Prime Minister will attend the signing ceremony for the Gaza peace plan in Sharm El Sheikh on Monday, where he is expected to praise President Trump as well as the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Downing Street said Sir Keir will pay “particular tribute” to the US leader and regional partners for “bringing us to this point,” before calling for “swift progress towards phase two” of the agreement.