London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for a 'cool head' in response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, defending his administration's approach to the escalating situation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prime Minister Starmer has faced criticism from US President Donald Trump over his initial refusal to permit the use of British bases in the attack on Iran. Additionally, the UK government has been criticized for not adequately safeguarding the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri from a drone assault.
During the weekly parliamentary questions session, Starmer assured that protecting British citizens and facilitating their safe return from the Middle East remains a top priority. He mentioned the deployment of various military assets, including F-35 jets, in the region.
"This government will be resolute in our focus, protecting British lives, bringing our people home, and safeguarding our national interest," Starmer declared to the members of parliament. He acknowledged the national concern regarding potential escalation in the Middle East and stressed the importance of acting with clarity, purpose, and composure.
Initially, the UK denied the United States access to airbases such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for strikes against Iran. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK's level of support, contrasting the current leadership with historical figures like Winston Churchill.
In parliament, Starmer clarified his stance, stating: "What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan. That remains my position." He has since permitted the US to use British bases for targeted strikes against Iranian missile launchers and infrastructure, although RAF jets have not participated in offensive actions.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch questioned why the RAF had not engaged offensively against Iranian missile sites following attacks on British bases in Bahrain and Cyprus. Starmer responded by emphasizing the priority of UK national protection, highlighting actions such as deploying planes to intercept incoming strikes, increasing capabilities in Cyprus, and allowing US aircraft to utilize UK bases against Iranian threats.
Furthermore, Starmer announced the deployment of the air defense destroyer HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster the protection of Cyprus, although the Type 45 warship is not expected to depart until the following week.
Addressing concerns about the US-UK special relationship, Starmer asserted, "Letting the US use UK bases and British jets shooting down drones in the Middle East is the special relationship in action," while cautioning against overreliance on President Trump's statements following the US leader's critique of him.