Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has dismissed former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s assertion that the UK should have supported Donald Trump’s initial airstrikes on Iran, insisting that Britain must “learn the lessons” of the Iraq war.
Speaking on Sky News, Cooper said: “I just disagree” with Blair, who had argued that Keir Starmer should have backed the US from the outset and allowed the use of British airbases. Cooper emphasised that the UK must act in its own national interest, rather than automatically agreeing with the US or refusing all cooperation.
Blair’s comments, made at a private Jewish News event, came as Trump intensified criticism of Starmer for not immediately supporting US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Blair said alliances were tested “when it’s hard” and that the conflict was “not like Iraq”. A spokesperson for Blair noted the remarks were not intended for public release.
Cooper also addressed Trump’s recent attacks on Starmer, including claims that the Prime Minister was “not Winston Churchill”. She told the BBC: “It’s for the US president to decide what’s in the US national interest… but it is our job as the UK government to decide what’s in the UK national interest.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi warned the UK to be “very careful” about further involvement, stating that Iran would have a “right to self-defence” if Britain directly joined attacks. Britain has permitted the US to use its bases for defensive strikes but has not participated in direct attacks.
