UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Gaza ceasefire is a major step forward but warned it must only mark the beginning of a lasting peace process.
As reported by The Standard, Bridget Phillipson said the fragile Gaza ceasefire is progress but just the beginning of peace efforts, as Keir Starmer prepares to meet world leaders on Monday.
What did Bridget Phillipson say about the Gaza peace plan?
Bridget Phillipson warned that lasting peace in Gaza is not guaranteed and urged nations to keep working for stability, defending Britain’s involvement in the process.
The Education Secretary insisted Britain played an instrumental behind-the-scenes role in reaching the first stage of the Gaza peace plan.
She said,
“This of course is a massive step forward and very welcome. This can only be the start of a process. We know we need to see a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”
Ms Phillipson stated,
“That’s what we want to continue to be involved in making happen, and that’s why the Prime Minister is tomorrow travelling (to Egypt).”
When asked about the UK’s contribution, Ms Phillipson reiterated Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s claim that Britain played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in shaping the Gaza peace efforts.
Referring to this contribution, she responded,
“These are complex matters of diplomacy that we are involved in but we do welcome and recognise the critical role that the American government played in getting us to this point.”
When questioned about the prospects for lasting peace in the region, the education secretary replied,
“Sadly there can be no certainty. We’re hopeful this peace can endure as they move towards the next phase of this negotiation, but no-one can give any form of absolute cast-iron guarantee.
She stated,
“I wish the world were less volatile and we could do that, but we can be clear that Hamas will have no role in the reconstruction as we move towards a Palestinian state.”
The Education Secretary was asked whether Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should withdraw his previous statement that US President Donald Trump was a threat to global order.
Asked about any regret Mr Lammy expressed over his previous remarks, she responded,
“I don’t know if he has or hasn’t but I know that the Deputy Prime Minister has a very strong and positive relationship with the US administration, including the vice-president.”
Ms Phillipson said,
“Previous comments he’s made on this topic don’t appear to have stood in the way of having a very good relationship with the US administration, including as foreign secretary.”
When questioned about retracting the comments, she said she had not made them and had nothing to retract.
The Education Secretary said Hamas will continue to have “no role” in any future government, reaffirming the government’s long-standing stance.
Describing Hamas as a “vile terrorist group,” she faced questions about their trustworthiness in enforcing the deal.
Ms Phillipson responded,
“There can be no certainty. That’s why it is essential to have US backing for this. And we all hope that it endures. But no one can give any form of absolute cast-iron guarantee. I mean, I wish, I wish the world were less volatile, and we could do that.”
Bridget Phillipson’s stance on the pro-Palestine protests in the UK
Bridget Phillipson declined to say whether pro-Palestine protests should be limited in the UK after the Gaza peace agreement.
When asked about the latest protests, she said,
“The right to protest in our country on this or on any other cause is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it’s something that is deeply important to who we are as a country. But I think, you know, particularly with some of the way in which protest can be conducted, we do have to be mindful of our responsibilities to others.”
Ms Phillipson stated,
“I know from conversations that I’ve had with many British Jews in the last week that they feel that sometimes these protests can be deeply upsetting, given the nature of what can take place, but also the cumulative impact of such protests.”
She said the Home Secretary, Shabnam Mahmood, is exploring new police powers to control repeated protests, while recognizing the strong feelings people have about their right to protest.
What will Keir Starmer say at the Gaza peace signing ceremony?
Keir Starmer will attend the Gaza peace plan signing on Monday, expected to praise President Trump and the contributions of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Number 10 said the Prime Minister will pay “particular tribute” to the US and regional partners for bringing matters to this point, while calling for “swift progress” on phase two.
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the summit, the Elysee Palace confirmed.
Israel’s armed forces confirmed they will continue to operate defensively from around 50% of Gaza under their control after the agreed withdrawal.
The first phase of the deal aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners by Monday morning.
Officials confirmed there are no plans for UK forces to join the multinational team monitoring the ceasefire.
Priti Patel’s views on Keir Starmer’s Egypt visit
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel called the Prime Minister’s visit a “photo opportunity.”
She said,
“I think we have to be honest (about) the fact that Britain has had no role – no role whatsoever – under Keir Starmer’s Government, in even getting to this very seismic and momentous moment.”
Ms Patel added,
“I think it’s extraordinary that Keir Starmer apparently is going to Egypt tomorrow when we’ve got plenty of domestic issues that he should be resolving.”
How is the US supporting Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war?
The Associated Press reported that around 200 US troops have landed in Israel to help facilitate aid and provide security support.
The war in Gaza started after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and captured 251.
Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry reports that Israel’s counterattack has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 170,000, about half of whom were women and children.
