Tony Blair Sparks Outrage by Urging Keir Starmer to Support Trump's Iran Military Action
Furious reactions have erupted from MPs and the father of a soldier killed in Iraq after former Prime Minister Tony Blair suggested that current PM Keir Starmer should have immediately backed US-led strikes against Iran. Sir Tony reportedly made the comments at a private event, stating Britain should have supported its American ally "from the very beginning" of the conflict.
Bereaved Father's Emotional Response
John Miller, whose 21-year-old son Simon was among six Royal Military Policemen killed by a mob in Iraq in 2003, described Blair's intervention as "a joke." Miller, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, said: "He should be in the Hague on war crimes. I don't know why he is given airtime to give his views on these things." While supporting British defensive action following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Miller emphasized that Starmer "should not be taking Sir Tony's advice after he led us into an illegal war."
Labour MPs Unite in Condemnation
Labour MPs across the party have voiced strong criticism of Blair's remarks. Jon Trickett called for "a prolonged period of silence" from the former PM, particularly on Middle East matters where "his record is disastrous." Clive Lewis noted that Blair is "the last person the current prime minister should be turning to for advice" given his role in the Iraq war. Backbencher Imran Hussain added: "The last thing the country needs right now is lectures about Middle East wars from Tony Blair."
Blair's Controversial Trump Connection
The controversy comes as Blair recently joined the executive board of Donald Trump's controversial Board of Peace, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Labour MP Rachael Maskell expressed bewilderment at Blair's involvement, stating: "I don't know why he has involved himself in this, because we should be using the internationally recognised institutions, imperfect as they are, to try and find a way forward."
Royal Visit Under Scrutiny
MPs have called for King Charles's planned US visit to meet Donald Trump next month to be cancelled amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The monarch and Queen Camilla are scheduled for a three-day visit coinciding with America's 250th anniversary celebrations, including a White House state banquet. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Starmer to advise the King to call off the visit, arguing it would provide "yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump." Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward called the prospect "unthinkable."
Trump's Public Attacks on Starmer
Donald Trump has launched repeated public criticisms of Keir Starmer after the PM initially refused UK base usage for attacks on Iran. Trump told reporters: "This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with," and later posted on Truth Social that Britain was "finally giving serious thought" to sending carriers, adding: "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!"
Diplomatic Developments and Regional Escalation
Starmer and Trump spoke yesterday for the first time since their public disagreement, discussing Middle East developments and military cooperation. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended Starmer's position, stating that joining Trump's initial strikes "was not in Britain's interests" and that disagreements within the "special relationship" are legitimate. Meanwhile, Iran has vowed to step up retaliation against US targets, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declaring: "When we are attacked, we have no choice but to respond." The regime faces accusations of striking a crucial drinking water treatment plant serving Gulf states, while Saudi Arabia reported two deaths from an Iranian missile strike on a residential area.
