Calls for RAF Action Against Iranian Missile Sites
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has intensified her demands for the UK government to authorize the Royal Air Force (RAF) to conduct strikes on Iran's missile launch sites.
While the UK has permitted the United States to utilize British bases for defensive strikes targeting these facilities, it has not directly participated in such operations.
RAF jets have been actively intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran against allied forces in the region.
Badenoch stated on BBC Breakfast:
"They need to do more than that, they need to stop the missile sites, you need to go to the source."
"If you have someone with a gun shooting, stopping the bullets is not enough, you need to go after the weapon,"
"You can't always wait for people to attack you. Sometimes you have to make sure that you get there first to stop their ability to hurt your citizens."
She emphasized that she did not advocate for deploying "troops on the ground."
Legal Basis for Strikes and Government Position
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, speaking on the same programme, acknowledged the existence of a legal basis that would permit RAF jets to strike Iranian missile sites.
"I think your viewers will understand that in response to being attacked, yes, we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people across the region."
However, according to BBC sources, although the government considers such strikes legally defensible as acts of self-defense, there are currently no plans for the UK to conduct them independently. Downing Street confirmed that the government's stance remains unchanged.
'Defending the Skies'
The Prime Minister's spokesman addressed reporters:
"We've been very clear that our response has been to allow the US limited, specific and defensive use of our bases to protect British lives, British interests and our allies in the region."
He further explained that the UK military's role focuses on intercepting drones in flight, while the US targets missile launch sites within Iran.
"We have consistently said that we'll take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes which, as we've set out over the course of the week, is allowing the US to take out those missiles at source whilst we are defending the skies."
The Liberal Democrats have called for an "urgent clarification" of Lammy's remarks, accusing the deputy prime minister of "sliding down the slippery slope to full conflict."
Recent Incidents and Military Deployments
On Sunday, a drone strike targeted a runway at RAF Akrotiri on the island of Cyprus, causing what the Ministry of Defence described as "minimal damage." The Cypriot government suspects the drone originated from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon.
Two Wildcat helicopters equipped with drone interception capabilities are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Friday.
The government also plans to deploy the warship HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Despite these measures, Badenoch criticized the government for acting too slowly.
Defence Spending and Political Responses
The Conservative Party is renewing calls for increased defence spending. On Friday, they announced plans to redirect funds saved by reinstating the two-child benefit cap—set to be removed next month—towards bolstering defence budgets.
The party estimates that this policy would save approximately £1.6 billion, which they propose to allocate to recruiting new soldiers, acquiring equipment, and improving military accommodation.
Meanwhile, Downing Street confirmed that the UK has offered "further defensive air cover" to Bahrain by deploying four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar.
A No 10 spokesperson stated that Sir Keir Starmer extended this offer during a call with the King of Bahrain on Thursday, and that operational teams "would work together on plans in the coming days."
