Streeting credited him with “an incredible legacy in Northern Ireland,” adding: “If he can bring that skill set to bear in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the support of Israelis, Palestinians and other regional powers, then so much the better.”
And a No. 10 official acknowledged Starmer, whose national security adviser is Blair’s former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, was “basically positive about any serious effort to map a way out of the war in Gaza,” regardless of the dramatis personae.
Kyle, the business secretary, said aspects of the 20-point plan reminded him of the Good Friday Agreement and could provide “glimmers of hope” if implemented. In particular, the inclusion of phased incentives and an amnesty for former Hamas members, as well as a process for security normalization, are in line with elements of the GFA.
The former prime minister is also unusual in maintaining good links among senior Israelis and Arab leaders.
Steve Reed, the housing secretary, told POLITICO: “You need individuals involved in this who have the respect and support both of the Arab nations around Israel, and of Israel and of the United States,” which presents “a relatively small pool of people to draw from.”
Yet the strong emotions inspired by Blair in both directions appear to be outweighed by the simple desire among many British politicians to see an end to the conflict.
When Emily Thornberry, Labour chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, was asked if Blair was the right man for the job, she told ITV: “I honestly don’t care. What I care [about] is what works.”