Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has firmly rejected former Prime Minister Tony Blair's call for the UK to have backed Donald Trump's initial airstrikes on Iran, stating that Britain must "learn the lessons" from the errors of the Iraq war. Cooper's remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and repeated criticism from Trump towards Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the lack of immediate British support for US-Israeli actions.
Blair's Private Comments Spark Controversy
At a private lunch event hosted by Jewish News on Friday, Tony Blair argued that Keir Starmer "should have backed America from the very beginning" and allowed the Trump administration to utilise British airbases. Blair emphasised the importance of alliances, stating, "If they are your ally and they are an indispensable cornerstone for your security ... you had better show up when they want you to." These comments were reported by the Mail on Sunday, though a spokesperson for Blair later clarified they were made at a private gathering and not intended for public dissemination.
Cooper's Firm Rebuttal on National Interest
When questioned about Blair's intervention on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Cooper responded succinctly, "I just disagree." She elaborated that while some politicians advocate always aligning with the US, and others oppose any joint action, neither stance serves the UK's national interest. "It is the responsibility for Keir Starmer to act in the UK's national interest for British citizens," Cooper asserted, highlighting the need for independent decision-making in foreign policy.
Pressed on whether she was labelling Blair "a poodle," Cooper avoided direct name-calling but reinforced her position. "I think the point is to make sure that, actually, we learn the lessons from some of the things that went wrong in Iraq, and I think that is exactly what Keir Starmer has done," she stated, referencing Blair's widely criticised role in the 2003 invasion.
Trump's Ongoing Criticism and Iranian Warnings
Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Starmer in recent days, using social media to mock the UK's delayed support, claiming, "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" and dismissing Starmer as "not Winston Churchill." Cooper addressed this by emphasising that the UK must "take decisions ourselves" and prioritise its own national interests, rather than outsourcing foreign policy to other nations.
Simultaneously, Iran's ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, issued a stark warning during an appearance on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. He cautioned the UK to be "very careful" about deeper involvement in the conflict, noting that Iran reserves the "right to self-defence" if Britain directly participates in attacks. Mousavi suggested the British government has likely absorbed lessons from the Iraq war, urging delicate and cautious actions from all parties involved.
Background and Broader Implications
Blair's comments have reignited debates over his legacy, particularly his decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq, which has faced persistent scrutiny over the past two decades. At the private event, Blair defended his stance by contrasting the current situation with past conflicts, arguing it was "not like Vietnam" or the Iraq campaign that involved deploying thousands of troops. He stressed the enduring importance of the US-UK alliance, regardless of the sitting president.
In response, Cooper reiterated the government's commitment to a balanced approach, permitting US use of British bases for "defensive strikes" on Iranian facilities while avoiding direct military engagement. This stance underscores a strategic pivot towards autonomy in foreign affairs, as the UK navigates complex international relations amid ongoing Middle East crises.
