Starmer Condemns Badenoch and Farage for Iran War Position Reversals in Fiery PMQs Exchange
In a tumultuous prime minister's questions session, Keir Starmer launched a scathing attack on Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, accusing them of executing dramatic U-turns on their stance regarding the war in Iran. The Labour leader asserted that if the Conservative and Reform leaders had been in charge, the United Kingdom would currently be engaged in armed conflict.
The 'Mother of All U-Turns' on War Commitment
Starmer highlighted what he termed the 'mother of all U-turns' by Badenoch, referencing her shifting statements. Last week, Badenoch had pressed Starmer on why the UK was not launching offensive strikes against Iranian missile bases, questioning why allies were tasked with actions she believed Britain should undertake. However, by Tuesday, she denied advocating for the UK to join the US-led war on Iran.
'If I'd asked her last week, her position would be, we support the initial strikes and we want to join the war. This week, she says, we don't want to join the war,' Starmer declared to MPs. 'That is the mother of all U-turns on the single most important decision a prime minister ever has to take, whether to commit the United Kingdom to war or not.'
Amid cheers from Labour backbenchers, he added that Badenoch had 'utterly disqualified herself from ever becoming prime minister,' a prospect he described as thankfully unlikely.
Defence of RAF Operations and Accusations of Insult
Starmer robustly defended the UK's armed forces, stating they are 'working day and night to protect British lives and British interests in the Middle East.' He detailed that the Royal Air Force had flown over 230 hours of defensive operations across multiple countries, successfully intercepting numerous drones.
'We thank them for their courage and for their professionalism,' he emphasized, before accusing Badenoch of insulting RAF personnel by suggesting they were 'just hanging about' during a BBC Breakfast interview. 'Let me tell you what they've been doing: flying sorties in seven of the 10 countries in the region, day and night, taking out incoming strikes, protecting the lives of others whilst risking their own,' Starmer retorted, demanding an apology.
Badenoch's Response and Clarification on War Stance
Following PMQs, Badenoch's spokesperson countered Starmer's claims, accusing him of misrepresenting her position. The spokesperson clarified that Badenoch had never argued for the UK to join the war but had called for allowing the US to use British bases for initial attacks on Iran. She now supports UK action against Iranian military targeting British bases in Cyprus.
When questioned if this constituted joining the war, the spokesperson stated, 'We are at war. The difference is, we're not joining the war. We're in the war.' He noted that Badenoch does not receive the same intelligence briefings as ministers, explaining her support for allies without full knowledge of war aims by asserting, 'We support our allies.'
Domestic Concerns: Petrol Prices and Energy Bills
During the session, Badenoch shifted focus to domestic issues, repeatedly questioning Starmer on petrol prices and why he believed it was appropriate to increase costs. Starmer denied any government plans to raise petrol prices, confirming that fuel duty would remain frozen until September.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey highlighted broader economic pressures, noting that families face rising petrol prices, increasing mortgage rates, and more expensive fixed energy deals 'all because of a war they did not start and do not support.' He criticized both the Conservatives and Reform for competing to be 'Donald Trump's biggest cheerleader,' endorsing Starmer's rejection of their 'costly warmongering.'
Davey called for a guarantee that energy bills would not surge by hundreds of pounds in July when the next price cap takes effect. Analysts warn that household energy bills could climb by £160 annually from this summer due to the Iran war pushing the UK's gas market to a three-year high.
Starmer responded by reassuring households that the cap is secure until July, stating, 'We are working with the sector and with others and with allies to do everything we can to make sure those energy bills don't rise. We're working around the clock on that. The most important thing, the most effective thing we can do, is to work with our allies to find a way to de-escalate the situation.'
Conclusion: A Heated Debate on War and Domestic Stability
The PMQs session underscored deep divisions over foreign policy and domestic economic management. Starmer's forceful condemnation of Badenoch and Farage's perceived inconsistencies on Iran, coupled with debates on energy and fuel costs, highlighted the interconnected challenges of international conflict and household finances. As tensions persist, the government's efforts to balance military operations with consumer protection remain under intense scrutiny.
