Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis has accused the British Government of playing a “positively unhelpful” role in efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Speaking to GB News, Sir Ellis said the UK had “every ability” to play a leading role but had instead been “seen as partisan” by Israel.
It comes after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended Britain’s involvement in attempts to end the Gaza conflict, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place following a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Pressed on what role the UK had played, Ms Phillipson said: “These are complex diplomatic issues, but we recognise and welcome the vital part the American government has played in getting us to this stage.”
Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis accused Britain of playing a ‘positively unhelpful’ role in efforts to bring peace to the Middle East
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GB NewsThe deal has seen Hamas release dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners that were 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.
Mr Ellis criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state and claimed Britain had shown itself to be “against Israel” by halting certain arms deals and banning Israeli soldiers from training at British military academies.
He told GB News: “I want Britain to play a leading role, it has every ability to do so.
“And as someone who loves this country, I want it to punch above its weight.
“But that’s very different from actually succeeding in doing so.
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“I just don’t think Britain has played a meaningful role here because it’s been seen as partisan.
“If you’re going to act as a neutral broker, where both sides are willing to talk to you and you can actually get things done, you have to be accepted by both sides. And the Israelis don’t see it that way.
“I’d actually say it’s shown one face and that face is clearly against Israel, as those examples demonstrate.
“I’m afraid that’s going to be a lasting, and negative, legacy. I don’t think it will be judged well in the long arc of history.
The hostages were released earlier this morning
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“Britain’s role here has been positively unhelpful in advancing peace. And it’s already showing.
“I don’t think we’re being kept informed about what Israel is doing.
“I don’t recall the UK being told about the bombing of Doha six weeks ago. We’re not trusted and that’s what has changed.
“It’s a disaster, isn’t it? We call ourselves allies, but we’re actually finding things out through the Americans.”