Donald Trump has issued a deeply personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer, likening him unfavourably to Winston Churchill after the UK initially refused to allow the US to launch strikes on Iran from British bases. The US president criticised the prime minister for the third time in 24 hours, telling reporters: 'This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.'
Mr Trump expressed frustration that the UK eventually permitted the use of Diego Garcia for strikes on Iranian missile facilities but only after a delay. He told the Sun the 'relationship is obviously not what it was' and in an interview with the Telegraph said Mr Starmer had taken far too long to grant access to UK bases.
In the Commons, Mr Starmer defended his decision, saying the UK did not believe in 'regime change from the skies' and that it was his duty to judge what was in Britain’s national interest. He confirmed the UK would allow the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for defensive action to protect British citizens and forces.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, said of Mr Trump’s comments: 'I can’t help but wonder what Churchill would have made of Trump. He certainly ain’t no Franklin D Roosevelt.' Mr Trump also criticised Spain for prohibiting the US from using its bases and threatened to cut off trade with Madrid.
Mr Trump further urged Mr Starmer to change course on the Chagos Islands deal, North Sea oil and gas exploration, and immigration, claiming the UK was letting in people who 'hate you'. A YouGov poll found that 49% of Britons oppose the US strikes on Iran, compared with 28% who support them, and 32% back the use of RAF bases for limited attacks on missile sites.
