After being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, US President Donald Trump has turned his attention to military action, according to reports. Despite brokering several deals, Trump was passed over for the prize, and has since shifted focus to what some describe as a pursuit of the 'Nobel prize for war'. This week, he ordered the bombing of Iran, following the kidnapping of the Venezuelan president.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chose not to join the US and Israeli attacks on Saturday. However, after an Iranian attack on a Cyprus airbase, he announced on Sunday that the UK would allow the US to use British bases for defensive actions, specifically to take out Iranian missile bases.
Starmer's decision has drawn criticism from both the left and right of the political spectrum. Some MPs accused him of betrayal, while others felt the response was too cautious. Starmer himself appeared exhausted during his Commons statement, having spent the weekend receiving updates.
In his statement, Starmer emphasised that the decisions were made in two parts and were a matter of international law. He stressed the importance of learning from past conflicts, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, and avoiding involvement without a clear plan.
Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch described the UK's response as a 'defining moment in the battle against state-sponsored terror' and criticised the government for being weak. She claimed that under her leadership, the UK would have joined the attacks.
