UK-US talks on military cooperation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss military cooperation after Trump criticised the UK for not immediately supporting US airstrikes on Iran. The call focused on the use of RAF bases to support the collective defence of regional allies.
Blair criticises Starmer
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair argued that Starmer “should have backed America from the very beginning” and allowed US forces to use UK airbases. Blair, involved in Trump’s “board of peace”, suggested that failing to support the US could damage the special relationship between the two countries.
Labour MPs rally behind Starmer
Labour MPs and party officials, including Emily Thornberry, defended Starmer, comparing his cautious stance to Robin Cook’s principled resignation over the Iraq War. A YouGov poll indicated that nearly half of Britons support a purely defensive military role for the UK, with 49% opposing the initial US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Conservative criticism
Senior Conservative figures criticised Starmer’s approach. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp labelled it a “dereliction of duty,” while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of lacking “backbone.” Iain Duncan Smith defended aggressive scrutiny of Starmer’s military preparedness.
UK military deployments
Two US Air Force transport planes have landed at RAF Fairford following four B-1 Lancer bombers on Saturday, intended for defensive operations in the Middle East. HMS Dragon remains in Portsmouth, with HMS Prince of Wales being prepared for potential deployment to the region.
Implications for UK foreign policy
The episode highlights tensions between supporting US operations and maintaining legal, cautious, and EU-aligned positions. Starmer’s approach has sparked debate over the UK’s role in Middle East conflicts and lessons from past military interventions.
Also read: Agreement in Iran on new supreme leader after Khamenei’s death
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