UK still working closely with US, minister insists after Trump criticism

"It's very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was. It's a different world, actually. It's just a much different kind of relationship that we've had with your country before."

"Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, said he understood the president had not been satisfied that the UK was not involved in the initial joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. But he insisted "operationally" the relationship was "the same", with British fighter jets supporting the American military in the Middle East and the two allies continuing to co-operate on intelligence-sharing and trade."

"Sir Keir has repeatedly evoked the "mistakes of Iraq", a country invaded by a US-led coalition in 2003, with major participation from the UK. The legality of that war has long been disputed."

President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK's relationship, stating it is "obviously not what it was" after the UK did not participate in initial joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. UK Chief Secretary Darren Jones defended the relationship, asserting that operationally it remains unchanged, with British fighter jets supporting American military operations in the Middle East and continued intelligence-sharing and trade cooperation. The UK Prime Minister subsequently agreed to provide US access to British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian retaliation. Trump criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for being "not helpful" and suggested the UK's position may stem from pandering to Muslim voters. Sir Keir has justified the UK's stance by referencing Britain's national interest and lessons from the Iraq War, creating the most significant disagreement between the two leaders.

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