Prime Minister Keir Starmer has positioned Britain at the centre of international diplomacy this week, pledging UK support for the fragile Gaza ceasefire while simultaneously defending his government’s controversial digital identity scheme that has sparked massive public backlash.
On October 13, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcements focused on two key international issues: the ongoing Gaza peace process and UK immigration policies.
Gaza Peace Summit
Support for ceasefire: While attending an international peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Starmer announced the UK’s readiness to help monitor the ceasefire in Gaza and assist with disarming Hamas. Offer of expertise: He drew on the UK’s experience with the Northern Ireland peace process to offer assistance in decommissioning weapons. Commitment to reconstruction: Starmer also stated that the UK would provide additional humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and help accelerate reconstruction efforts.
Immigration
New visa rules: The UK published a list of 82 mid-skilled jobs eligible for temporary work visas, a move designed to address labour shortages. The announcement noted that this was part of the government’s effort to balance immigration rules with economic needs. Digital ID plan: Starmer’s proposed mandatory digital ID system was met with significant public opposition, with millions signing a petition against it. Consultation on digital IDs: The government announced a consultation on the potential for a digital ID scheme, including its use for individuals as young as 13 by 2029.
UK Offers Northern Ireland Expertise
Speaking alongside Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Egyptian summit, Starmer committed Britain to playing its full part in ensuring the current truce leads to lasting peace. The Prime Minister specifically referenced the UK’s experience with the Provisional IRA decommissioning process during Northern Ireland’s peace settlement.
National security adviser Jonathan Powell, who played a crucial role in the Good Friday Agreement, has been in near-daily contact with Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The UK government believes lessons learned from decades of conflict resolution in Northern Ireland could prove invaluable as international negotiators work towards permanently dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities.
Substantial Humanitarian Package
Starmer announced a £20 million humanitarian aid package specifically targeting water, sanitation, and hygiene services for Gaza’s civilian population. The funding will be distributed through established international organisations including UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
This latest commitment forms part of the UK’s broader £116 million aid package to the Palestinian people this financial year, with £74 million already allocated for life-saving assistance such as food and shelter. The announcement came as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its third consecutive day following two years of devastating conflict that has left more than 67,000 people dead and 92 per cent of Gaza’s homes damaged or destroyed.
UK to Host Gaza Reconstruction Conference
Britain has committed to hosting a three-day international conference at Wilton Park, bringing together government representatives, private sector leaders, and development finance institutions to coordinate Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank will participate alongside representatives from Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that the UK would leverage expertise and investment from the City of London to support reconstruction. The government has made clear that rebuilding efforts will be Palestinian-led, with absolutely no role for Hamas in future governance.
Controversial Digital ID Scheme
Whilst Starmer focused on international diplomacy, his government faced mounting domestic pressure over plans to introduce a nationwide digital identity system by 2029. Nearly three million people have signed a parliamentary petition opposing the scheme, making it one of the most contentious policy announcements since Labour took office.
The digital ID, informally dubbed the BritCard, would be mandatory for anyone seeking employment in Britain but optional for students, retirees, and others not entering the workforce. The system aims to tackle illegal working and modern slavery whilst making it easier for citizens to access government services.
During his recent visit to India, Starmer met with Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and former Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India, to discuss the country’s Aadhaar digital identity system. The Prime Minister praised India’s programme as a massive success and suggested it could serve as a blueprint for Britain’s own scheme.
Digital IDs for Teenagers
The government has announced it will consult on whether children aged 13 to 16 should be included in the digital ID rollout. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended this proposal, arguing that many young teenagers already possess forms of digital identification and that establishing a standardised system would prove beneficial.
Government representatives noted that children can begin part-time work at age 14, and in certain local council areas as young as 13, making it necessary to consider their inclusion in the scheme. Under the proposed system, employers would be legally required to verify an individual’s digital ID as part of Right to Work checks.
Public Backlash and Political Opposition
The petition against digital IDs has garnered widespread support, with concerns centring on privacy, government overreach, and potential surveillance. Civil liberties organisations including Big Brother Watch have urged the Prime Minister to abandon the proposal, warning it could drive undocumented migrants further into obscurity.
Opposition parties have seized on public anxiety about the scheme. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the plans as a gimmick that will do nothing to stop illegal immigration, whilst Reform UK leader Nigel Farage characterised it as a cynical tactic granting the state increased power over British citizens.
The Liberal Democrats have also announced opposition to the scheme, with party spokesperson Josh Collins expressing concern that individuals would be compelled to surrender private data just to navigate daily life. Despite the backlash, the government has doubled down on its commitment, insisting the system will be secure, optional for most purposes, and designed with inclusion at its heart.
Addressing Labour Shortages
In a separate immigration development, Britain published a list of 82 mid-skilled occupations that could qualify for temporary work visas under a new migration scheme. The Temporary Shortage List includes engineering technicians, welders, photographers, translators, and logistics managers deemed essential to the country’s industrial strategy and infrastructure projects.
The Migration Advisory Committee emphasised that any occupation added to the list must demonstrate plans to maximise the use of domestic workers and reduce dependency on migrant labour. Foreign workers granted visas under this category will be permitted to stay for three to five years but will not be eligible for permanent residency unless policy changes are introduced.
Employers must present plans showing how they intend to train and recruit local workers before turning to overseas hires. Applicants will also be required to meet a minimum B1 level of English language proficiency before being considered for temporary visas.
Balancing Immigration and Economic Needs
The visa announcement comes as Starmer’s government attempts to navigate rising public concerns over illegal boat crossings whilst addressing critical workforce shortages in key sectors. With populist Reform UK gaining ground in opinion polls, Labour faces pressure to demonstrate it can control immigration whilst supporting economic growth.
The government views the Temporary Shortage List as a targeted approach to attract immigrants with necessary skills to fill specific job vacancies without creating permanent settlement pathways. A second review phase is scheduled to commence in July 2026 to determine which additional occupations will be included in the final list.
International Recognition for UK Role
At the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff publicly acknowledged the vital role of the UK in coordinating efforts that led to the historic ceasefire agreement. Witkoff specifically recognised the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.
However, suggestions from some Cabinet ministers that the UK played a key role in securing the ceasefire were roundly rejected by top American and Israeli figures. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson characterised the ceasefire as a significant advancement whilst acknowledging that American involvement had been pivotal.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will prove critical for both Starmer’s international and domestic agendas. As the fragile Gaza ceasefire enters its implementation phase, the UK must deliver on commitments to provide humanitarian assistance and facilitate reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, the government faces the challenge of selling its digital identity scheme to a sceptical public. An official consultation is scheduled to launch next month, providing an opportunity for concerned citizens and civil liberties groups to voice objections.
The dual announcements on October 13 underscore the complex challenges facing the Prime Minister as he attempts to position Britain as a responsible international actor whilst managing contentious domestic policy reforms. Whether Starmer can successfully navigate both the Gaza peace process and digital ID controversy will significantly impact his government’s standing in the months ahead.
The Prime Minister’s commitment to drawing on British expertise in conflict resolution, coupled with substantial financial pledges for Gaza’s recovery, demonstrates Labour’s ambition to play a leading role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. However, the domestic political costs of the digital ID scheme and immigration policy adjustments remain uncertain as public opposition continues to mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keir Starmer’s role in the Gaza peace process?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the international peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where he pledged UK support for monitoring the Gaza ceasefire and assisting with Hamas disarmament. Britain committed £20 million in humanitarian aid and will host a three-day Gaza reconstruction conference.
Why is the UK digital ID scheme controversial?
Nearly three million people have signed a petition opposing the digital ID plan over concerns about privacy, government surveillance, and state overreach. Civil liberties groups warn the mandatory employment verification system could marginalise vulnerable populations and grant excessive power to authorities.
What are the 82 jobs eligible for UK work visas?
The Migration Advisory Committee published a Temporary Shortage List including engineering technicians, welders, photographers, translators, and logistics managers. Workers can receive visas lasting three to five years but cannot settle permanently.
Will children need digital IDs in the UK?
The government announced a consultation on whether children aged 13 to 16 should be included in the digital ID rollout by 2029. Officials argue this is necessary because teenagers can begin part-time work at age 14, or 13 in certain council areas.
How much humanitarian aid is Britain providing to Gaza?
The UK announced a £20 million aid package for water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Gaza, forming part of a broader £116 million commitment to Palestinian people this financial year. Britain has already provided £74 million in life-saving assistance including food and shelter.
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