For nearly 48 hours, the UK government struggled to clearly explain its stance on the US and Israel’s recent strikes on Iran. While the defence and foreign secretaries offered cautious statements, it was the Prime Minister who gave a direct answer in the Commons, saying the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies.” He also made clear his disagreement with President Donald Trump, marking a significant and high-profile divergence.
Sir Keir Starmer spent over two hours responding to MPs’ questions, expressing that he viewed the US and Israeli actions as wrong and potentially unlawful. Yet he maintained that authorising the US to use UK airbases to target Iranian missile sites was both justified and lawful to protect British allies in the Gulf.
References to the Iraq war were frequent, with the Prime Minister noting its lessons when framing his current approach. While debates about legality continue—Conservative shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson argues UK involvement could be lawful—the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of acting within the law, reflecting his background as a former senior lawyer.
Labour MPs generally supported Starmer’s position, even as he faced criticism from across the political spectrum. Conservatives and Reform UK argued the UK should have clearly backed its allies, while the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Scottish National Party were more critical of Trump. Recent YouGov polling indicates that most Britons oppose both the US strikes and the UK allowing US access to its airbases.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing her Spring Statement, which is expected to be low-key, with no immediate tax or spending changes. Her focus will be on economic stability, reducing the cost of living, managing debt, and supporting growth. Recent international tensions, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict, have added new pressures that will likely feature early in her speech.
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