Starmer says UK will not join regime change from the skies' on Iran

"We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any UK actions must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought-through plan. It is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest despite criticism by the US president, Donald Trump, who had said he was very disappointed in Starmer for blocking him from using British bases to carry out strikes on Iran."

"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. The basis for our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives. It is in accordance with international law."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK will not join offensive military strikes by Israel and the US against Iran, rejecting regime change operations. However, the UK permits defensive use of British military bases and has deployed RAF planes to intercept Iranian attacks. Starmer emphasized that UK actions must have lawful basis and viable plans, referencing Iraq as a cautionary lesson. The decision came after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on regional allies, including attacks on coalition bases in Iraq and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Starmer stated the UK's defensive response protects British lives and interests while maintaining international law compliance. The decision faced criticism from US President Donald Trump, who expressed disappointment at being denied base access for offensive operations.

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