Keir Starmer has faced criticism for a TikTok video about the Middle East crisis, which some accuse of mimicking Donald Trump's social media style. The video features the prime minister's voice over footage of Royal Navy helicopters and military jets, set to the Dire Straits song 'Money for Nothing'.
In the clip, Starmer states: 'Our number one priority is protecting our people.' He has authorised defensive action but refused to join US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton called the choice of song 'particularly cloth-eared' given the military's need for more defence spending. He added: 'Trump's illegal war in the Middle East is not a movie for promotion.'
The Green Party said the TikTok clip 'has echoes of videos coming out of the White House glorifying war'. Starmer's spokesperson declined to comment on the music selection, noting the prime minister's commitment to defence spending.
Starmer has increasingly used TikTok for political messaging, with previous posts praised as 'borderline competent'. Speculation suggests the Dire Straits track may have been recommended by TikTok's algorithm.
