British Prime Minister Starmer: United Kingdom will not join US and Israeli attacks on Iran

(Patria) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed MPs in the House of Commons about the situation in the Middle East and the decision to allow the US to use British military bases for "defensive" attacks on Iran.

He initially emphasized that the United Kingdom did not participate in the initial attacks on Iran and that this was an "intentional" decision.

Starmer said that the best way forward is a "negotiated solution" in which Iran would agree to abandon "any aspiration" to develop nuclear weapons and end its "destabilizing activities" in the region.

He confirmed that US President Donald Trump "expressed disagreement" with the British decision not to initially engage in the attacks.

"But it is my duty to assess what is in Britain's national interest," Starmer said, adding that he stands by his decisions.

Starmer added that the United Kingdom will not join the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

He said that the US requested permission to use British bases so that it could stop Iranian missiles "at the source," while they are in storage or prepared on launchers. Starmer said he accepted this request "to prevent Iran from launching missiles across the region" and killing civilians.

He emphasized that London allows activities aimed at defense. He added that both France and Germany are prepared to allow US activities on their bases to destroy Iran's missile launch capabilities.

Starmer also said that Iran is acting "increasingly recklessly" and that it is his duty to protect British lives. Because of this, he stated, British fighter jets have been scrambled "as part of coordinated defensive operations".

These operations, according to him, have already yielded results, including the downing of a drone that was flying towards a base where British soldiers are stationed.

Starmer admitted that it is impossible to stop and shoot down all missiles and drones from Iran.

He stressed that the priority is to protect the lives of British citizens.