It’s been a rough week for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as his bold plan for Ukraine peace talks faced sharp criticism and rejection from European leaders, particularly German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The incident has been described as “deeply embarrassing” for Starmer, with GB News’ Mark White leading the charge in calling out the PM’s misstep.
The drama unfolded during emergency talks in Paris, where Starmer met with European leaders to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Just a day before the meeting, Starmer had announced his “bold peace plan,” which included the possibility of deploying British troops to Ukraine as part of a security guarantee. However, Scholz quickly shut down the idea, calling it “completely premature” and walking out of the meeting early.
The rejection didn’t go unnoticed. On GB News, hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello discussed the tense interaction with home and security editor Mark White, who didn’t mince words. “There’s no way to sugarcoat this,” White said. “This is deeply embarrassing for Sir Keir Starmer.” He went on to explain that Starmer’s proposal to send troops into a volatile and dangerous region like Ukraine was met with immediate pushback from Germany and Poland, who called the idea “inappropriate” and “premature.”
White also highlighted the risks of such a plan, pointing out that Ukraine remains a “hot zone” after three years of brutal trench warfare. “It would be very, very difficult to ensure the two sides are kept apart and abide by a peace deal,” he said. “That kind of commitment is going to be very dangerous for any country that decides to put their troops in harm’s way.”
Starmer, however, defended his proposal, stating that the UK must be willing to take bold steps to guarantee Ukraine’s security. In an op-ed for the *Daily Telegraph*, he wrote, “I do not say that lightly. I feel very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way.” He argued that securing Ukraine’s safety is essential for the security of Europe and the UK.
Despite Starmer’s intentions, the backlash from European leaders and critics like Mark White has left many questioning the feasibility and timing of his plan. With Scholz’s abrupt exit from the meeting and the lack of support from other key players, Starmer’s peace proposal appears to have hit a major roadblock.
The incident has also raised concerns about Starmer’s leadership on the international stage. As the UK continues to navigate its role in global conflicts, the Prime Minister’s ability to build consensus and present realistic solutions will be under scrutiny. For now, the rejection of his Ukraine plan serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead—and the high stakes of international diplomacy.
What do you think? Was Starmer’s proposal a bold move or a misstep? Let us know your thoughts.
