US President Donald Trump has criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the UK’s refusal to support offensive strikes on Iran, saying the bilateral relationship is “obviously not what it was”. In an interview with the Sun, Mr Trump compared the UK’s stance unfavourably with France and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, asserting that Mr Starmer “has not been helpful”.
Mr Starmer defended his decision not to allow the use of British bases for offensive operations, telling the House of Commons that “we all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons”. He said any UK action must have a lawful basis and a viable plan, and that the UK does not believe in “regime change from the skies”. However, he confirmed that the UK would support defensive actions to protect allied forces and nations in the region.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones reiterated that the UK would only engage armed forces when it is in British interests, with a clear plan and legal basis. He stated that the country would not be involved in a wider Middle East conflict. Mr Trump also criticised Mr Starmer on other issues, including the Chagos Islands deal, North Sea oil and gas exploration, and immigration, suggesting the prime minister was courting Muslim voters – a claim Mr Jones dismissed as “not right”.
In the Commons, Mr Starmer disclosed that the RAF had intercepted an Iranian drone strike heading for a coalition base in Iraq where UK forces were stationed, and that two drones were fired at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The UK has deployed planes and authorised base use for defensive purposes in response to Iranian retaliatory strikes against allies.
