Keir Starmer has faced criticism for a TikTok video addressing the Middle East crisis, with opponents accusing him of mimicking US President Donald Trump's social media style. The post, set to Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing', shows Royal Navy helicopters and military jets, with Starmer stating: 'Our number one priority is protecting our people.'
The prime minister refused to join US and Israeli strikes on Iran but authorised 'defensive' action. Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton called the choice of song 'cloth-eared' given military funding concerns, adding: 'Trump's illegal war in the Middle East is not a movie for promotion.' The Green Party said the clip 'has echoes of videos coming out of the White House glorifying war.'
Starmer's spokesperson declined to comment on the music selection, while the PM has previously pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027. TikTok has become a key platform for Starmer, whose earlier posts were described as 'borderline competent'.
