Starmer Emphasizes Protection of British Nationals Amid Iran Conflict
Sir Keir Starmer has defended the UK government's response to the ongoing conflict in Iran, emphasizing that safeguarding British nationals remains his "number one priority".
This statement follows criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who reproached the prime minister for declining to permit the use of UK military bases during the initial US-Israel strikes on Saturday. Trump remarked that Starmer is "no Winston Churchill" in his approach.
Conservative Leader Calls for Offensive Measures
During Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir Starmer of "asking our allies to do what we should be doing ourselves" by refraining from "offensive action" after attacks on British bases in Bahrain and Cyprus.
However, the prime minister clarified his position, stating he was unwilling for the UK to enter a war without "a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan".
UK Agrees to Defensive Use of Bases for US Strikes
On Sunday, the UK consented to a US request to utilize British military bases, but limited this to defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile sites.
Addressing concerns about the UK-US relationship, Sir Keir dismissed suggestions of strain, describing US aircraft operating from British bases as "the special relationship in action" rather than "hanging on to President Trump's latest words."
"We're taking action to reduce the threat with planes in the sky in the region intercepting incoming strikes, deploying more capability to Cyprus, and allowing US planes to use UK bases to take out Iran's capability to strike.
What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan. That remains my position."
Deployment of Defensive Capabilities in the Region
The prime minister outlined that the government had been pre-deploying various capabilities in the region over several weeks. These include radar systems, ground-based air defence, counter-drone systems, and F35 jets.
He further added that wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone technology would be stationed in Cyprus this week, alongside the deployment of the Royal Navy warship HMS Dragon to the area.
Badenoch Critiques Government's Approach and Defence Investment
In contrast, Kemi Badenoch criticized the prime minister's strategy, stating he was "catching arrows rather than stopping the archer."
"I would say to Labour MPs, we are in this war whether they like it or not. What is the prime minister waiting for?"
She also noted that HMS Dragon remained in Portsmouth and asserted that the government "should be doing more."
The Conservative leader further reproached the government for insufficient investment in defence.
Responding to these criticisms, Sir Keir accused the Conservatives of previously cutting the defence budget, missing Army recruitment targets, and leaving the forces "hollowed out" during their tenure in government.
Assistance for British Nationals in the Region
Meanwhile, the prime minister announced plans for two additional charter flights to depart from Oman in the coming days, following a flight on Wednesday evening, aimed at assisting British nationals stranded in the region.
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