Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon 'shouldn't be happening', during his visit to the Middle East. Writing in the Guardian, he called for the Iran conflict to become a watershed moment for UK security, emphasising the need to boost defence and strengthen ties with Europe.
Starmer's comments echo criticisms from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey, highlighting a potential rift with the US under Donald Trump. The Prime Minister dismissed arguments that the Lebanon attacks were not part of the ceasefire, calling it 'a matter of principles'.
Speaking in Bahrain, Starmer criticised Israel's intensified bombing in Lebanon, which has killed over 250 people. He insisted that the Strait of Hormuz must remain free of tolls or levies, after Trump mooted a 'joint venture' with Iran. Healey also warned against tolls, stating they could be 'used and abused by others'.
Starmer defended the UK's separate path, saying Britain would not be drawn into offensive military action. He argued for closer EU ties on defence, trade and energy to build resilience, and called for the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon.
