Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out in support of the UK’s stance on the escalating situation in the Middle East, after facing criticism from President Donald Trump.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister confirmed that the US would be allowed to use British military bases when carrying out strikes on Iran, as tensions in the region continue.
Starmer had reportedly been set to prevent the US from using RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, but later reversed that position.
In a televised address on Sunday (March 1), Starmer explained: “The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.
“We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.
“The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives.”
Even so, Trump suggested he was unhappy with how long it took the UK to grant approval.
Trump told the Telegraph: “It took far too much time. Far too much time.
“That’s probably never happened between our countries before. It sounds like he was worried about the legality.”
He also claimed ties between the two countries had cooled, saying the relationship was no longer what it once was: “He has not been helpful. I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK. It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was.
“This was the most solid relationship of all. And now we have very strong relationships with other countries in Europe.
“It’s not going to matter, but [Sir Keir] should have helped… he should have. I mean, France has been great. They’ve all been great. The UK has been much different from others.”
Starmer has since insisted the decision was taken with national priorities in mind, arguing he acted to protect the country.
“It is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, that is what I have done and I stand by it,” Starmer explained.
“But it is clear that Iran’s outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests and our allies and it cannot be ignored.
“Iran has lashed out across the region, they’ve launched hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones at countries that did not attack them.”