Keir Starmer defends Iran response as Kemi Badenoch calls for more action

Sir Keir Starmer has stressed that the primary focus of the UK government’s response to the ongoing conflict in Iran is the safety of British citizens. His comments come in the wake of President Trump’s criticism over the UK’s decision to withhold permission for US forces to use British military bases during the initial strikes carried out by the US and Israel. Trump openly dismissed the UK prime minister’s stance, stating he is “no Winston Churchill.”

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir, accusing him of relying on allies to conduct actions that the UK should undertake independently. She raised concerns after attacks on UK bases in Bahrain and Cyprus, pressing the prime minister on why the UK had refrained from offensive operations. In response, the prime minister emphasized that the UK would not engage in war without a legitimate legal foundation and a carefully considered strategy.

While the UK had initially declined involvement in the first round of strikes, it agreed on Sunday to permit the use of its bases for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile facilities. Trump reacted strongly to this decision, labeling it “shocking” and expressing frustration about what he described as a decline in UK-US relations. Sir Keir dismissed these claims, saying that the presence of US aircraft at British bases demonstrates the ongoing “special relationship” between the two nations rather than being subject to the latest remarks from President Trump.

Sir Keir elaborated on the UK’s efforts, highlighting the deployment of additional capabilities within the region, including more aircraft in Cyprus and defensive measures intercepting incoming threats. He reaffirmed his position that the UK would only participate in hostilities if there was a lawful and coherent plan. Meanwhile, Badenoch continued to pressure the government, suggesting the UK was merely “catching arrows rather than stopping the archer,” and questioned why naval assets such as HMS Dragon remained docked rather than being deployed. She also criticized the government’s commitment to defense spending.

In reply, Sir Keir accused previous Conservative governments of reducing defense budgets, failing recruitment goals, and weakening military forces. Following the parliamentary exchange, officials revealed that HMS Dragon is preparing to leave Portsmouth soon, although it is not expected to reach Cyprus this week. However, two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters equipped with missile systems to counter drones are anticipated to arrive in Cyprus earlier. Additionally, while US bombers have not yet utilized UK bases like Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford, western allies have confirmed readiness to accommodate them in the near future.

Former Conservative Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt expressed disagreement with the prime minister’s refusal to permit offensive strikes from UK bases. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Hunt acknowledged the complexities of international law, noting the unsettled legal status depending on the immediacy of threats from Iran. He warned that weakening the US alliance was a significant error, stressing that American military strength remains vital for Europe’s defense now and into the foreseeable future. Hunt also pointed to President Trump’s open disregard for the rules-based international order.

Echoing similar sentiments, retired British Army General Sir Richard Shirreff urged the UK to prioritize its national interests, noting that the US has indicated it will no longer guarantee European security. He supported the protection of British military bases abroad but cautioned against engaging in military operations without a clear end goal or strategic clarity. Sir Richard criticized the current American administration for initiating conflict “with no clear understanding where this thing is going to end.”

In response to the US-Israeli strikes, Iran has launched counterattacks on targets in Israel and US-allied Gulf states including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. British military installations have also been affected; a drone struck a base in Cyprus, and missile attacks targeted a UK base in Bahrain where British personnel were present

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More