A significant crack has appeared in the “Special Relationship” as the United Kingdom has officially declined to participate in the signing ceremony for President Trump’s “Board of Peace.” A senior British government minister confirmed today, Thursday, 22 January 2026, that while the UK “supports the spirit of global stability,” it will not be a signatory to the current framework, citing concerns over the initiative’s impact on existing international institutions like the United Nations and NATO.
The decision follows days of intense debate within the British Cabinet. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) highlighted several key points of contention.
The UK is concerned that the “Board of Peace” acts as a shadow organization that could weaken the UN Security Council, where Britain holds a permanent seat.
Ministers have also pointed to a lack of “specific legal guardrails” within the board’s charter, particularly regarding human rights and international law.
It may be recalled that tensions remain high between London and Washington over the Chagos Islands (Diego Garcia) sovereignty dispute. Analysts suggest the UK’s refusal to join the board is a subtle signal of its displeasure with recent U.S. pressure on the matter.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Minister for State for Foreign Affairs stated:
“The United Kingdom remains a staunch ally of the United States. However, we believe that lasting peace is best achieved through established, transparent, and rules-based international frameworks. At this stage, we will not be attending the signing ceremony in Washington, though we remain open to dialogue on specific regional security issues.”
Comparing the Global Stance on the “Board of Peace”
| Country / Bloc | Status | Primary Reason |
| USA | 🇺🇸 Founder | “America First” transactional diplomacy. |
| Turkey | 🇹🇷 Joined | Strategic role as a regional mediator. |
| Saudi Arabia | 🇸🇦 Joined | Leadership in energy and regional stability. |
| UK | 🇬🇧 Declined | Protection of UN/NATO frameworks. |
| EU (France/Germany) | 🇪🇺 Undecided | Cautious optimism mixed with sovereignty fears. |
White House Response
The White House Press Secretary reportedly expressed “disappointment” at the UK’s stance, noting that the board will move forward with or without “traditional partners who are stuck in the past.” This rhetoric marks a notable cooling of ties between the two nations.
