London, United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday defended his actions in the Middle East, rejecting President Donald Trump’s criticism that Britain did not join strikes against Iran and saying his decisions were guided by law and the national interest.
Starmer says UK not joining offensive strikes on Iran
In an address to parliament, Starmer said he was moved to allow the “limited” use of British military bases by the United States on Sunday after Britons came under attack by what he called “reckless” Iranian drone and missile strikes. He said he stood by his decision not to join what he described as “offensive strikes” on Iran that were launched on Saturday.
“We were not involved in the initial strikes against Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones, we will protect our people in the region,” Starmer told parliament.
Cyprus bases and Akrotiri addressed
Starmer said that “our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers”. He also said the strike on the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was “not in response to any decision we have taken”.
Domestic political pressure in Britain
Starmer has faced opposing views in Britain, with calls from the left to condemn US and Israeli action and criticism from the right. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised him for not giving his backing.
Trump says Britain took too long on base access
Earlier, Trump told the Daily Telegraph he believed Britain had taken too long to let Washington use its bases in operations against Iran. In an interview published on Monday, Trump said Starmer appeared to be “worried about the legality” of the strikes.
“That’s probably never happened between our countries before,” Trump said of the disagreement, adding Starmer’s shift in stance took “far too much time”.
What do you think should guide a government’s decision on whether to join military strikes abroad?
