The UK has approved the US using British military bases to launch strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain will not be drawn into a wider war. This decision comes amid mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump and rising oil prices due to Iran's closure of the strait, which handles 20% of global oil supply.
Key Takeaways
The UK has authorized the US to use its military bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz, though Britain will not participate directly. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized de-escalation amid rising oil prices and economic concerns.
- UK allows US to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for defensive strikes
- Starmer chairs Cobra meeting to discuss cost-of-living impacts from Iran conflict
- Trump shares SNL sketch mocking Starmer, criticizes his response to the crisis
- Oil prices surge due to Strait of Hormuz closure, raising global economic concerns
The UK government authorized the use of bases in RAF Fairford (Gloucestershire) and Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean) for US strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships. Downing Street stated that this action is covered by an agreement with Trump to allow UK-based assets for collective self-defence, though the UK itself will not directly participate in these strikes.
Starmer's decision has drawn criticism from both domestic and international figures. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it a 'mother of all U-turns,' while Green Party leader Zack Polanski warned of further escalation. Meanwhile, President Trump expressed disappointment with Starmer's initial refusal to send aircraft carriers to the Middle East, repeating his jibe that 'unfortunately Keir is no Winston Churchill.'
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a significant surge in oil prices, raising concerns about global economic stability. Economists predict higher inflation and lower growth as a result. Starmer announced £53m in support for vulnerable households facing increased heating oil costs due to rising prices.
Starmer is set to chair an emergency Cobra meeting with senior ministers, including the governor of the Bank of England and the chancellor, to discuss contingency measures for mitigating the economic effects of the conflict. He emphasized that 'every lever' available to the government will be used to address cost-of-living impacts. The prime minister also spoke with Trump in a 20-minute call described as constructive but provided few details.
Trump has been critical of Starmer's response, sharing an SNL UK sketch mocking the prime minister and accusing him of not doing enough to support US war efforts. Despite the tensions, both leaders agreed on the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remain in close contact as the situation develops.
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