Sir Keir Starmer is set to face questions from MPs in the House of Commons following a fresh attack from US President Donald Trump over the UK's stance on the Iran conflict. The Prime Minister will answer during Prime Minister's Questions at noon, with the Middle East crisis expected to dominate proceedings.
President Trump criticised Sir Keir for not being 'supportive' of US military operations, claiming the Prime Minister had made a 'big mistake'. Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Mr Trump said he 'liked' Sir Keir but felt 'disappointed' with his recent position on Iran. He reiterated his claim that 'unfortunately Keir is no Winston Churchill'.
The US president has specifically targeted Britain for its reluctance to immediately back demands for allied nations to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping channel for oil. With the conflict entering its third week, oil prices remain above $100 (£75) per barrel due to Tehran's ongoing closure of the waterway.
Sir Keir maintained on Monday that the UK would not be pulled into a 'wider war', stating he was collaborating with European partners on a 'viable collective plan' to restore navigation. The UK could contribute mine-hunting drones instead of a warship, though no final decisions have been made. On Tuesday, Mr Trump announced that Nato and most other allies have declined his requests for assistance.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Sir Keir's response to the war but dismissed the president's attack as 'wrong', calling the war of words 'very childish'. Meanwhile, Israel reported killing two high-ranking Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, prompting Tehran to launch a barrage of missiles and drones at Gulf Arab neighbours and Israel.
