Donald Trump has launched a deeply personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer over the UK's refusal to let the US launch initial strikes on Iran from British bases. The US president described the prime minister as 'not Winston Churchill' in his latest criticism.
It was the third time in 24 hours that Trump had criticised Starmer for the decision, despite the UK eventually allowing the use of Diego Garcia for strikes on Iranian missile facilities. Trump told the Sun the relationship 'is obviously not what it was' and said Starmer had taken too long to permit the use of UK bases.
In response, Starmer issued his strongest rebuke yet, saying the UK did not believe in 'regime change from the skies'. He defended his decision not to allow British bases for the initial strikes but said the UK would permit the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for defensive action to protect British citizens and allies.
The prime minister insisted he had acted in Britain's national interest, while US president also criticised Spain for prohibiting use of its bases. Trump additionally raised issues over the Chagos Islands deal, North Sea oil, and immigration, urging Starmer to 'stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you'.
A YouGov poll found 49% of Britons oppose the US strikes on Iran, with 32% supporting the use of RAF bases for attacks restricted to missile sites.
