Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated yesterday that British airplanes were flying in the Middle East for “defensive operations,” but the UK had “played no role” in the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Starmer claimed that Britain’s actions were independent from the attack on Iran and “in line with international law” in his first public statement to the strikes, which led to missile launches from Tehran, according to AFP.
He added in a brief broadcast address, “The United Kingdom had nothing to do with these strikes.”
The UK leader went on to say, “As part of our promises to keep our Middle Eastern allies safe, we have a number of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently taken steps to strengthen.”
“Our troops are on the ground, and British planes are in the air today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies.”
Starmer spoke after having an emergency meeting with high-ranking UK ministers and officials and separate conversations with European colleagues. This was in response to the changing situation in the Middle East.
He said that Iran “can end this now” and that Tehran “should stop attacking, give up their weapons programs, and stop the horrible violence and repression against the Iranian people.”
Starmer stated, “That is the way to calm things down and get back to the negotiating table.”
Earlier, his government said that military strikes against Iran may lead to a larger confrontation in the region. They also said that the protection of UK residents in the region was their “immediate priority.”
The Foreign Office sent a warning on X telling its people in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to “immediately shelter in place” because there had been reports of missile assaults on sites in those nations.
The ministry recently changed its travel advisory to include “against all travel to Israel and Palestine.”
British Airways was one of the carriers that said it has canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv and Bahrain for a few days, as well as its Saturday flight to Amman, due of the US-Israel bombings and Iran’s response.
Wizz Air, which also flies to the area from the UK, said that all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman would be stopped “with immediate effect up until and including March 7.”
It further said, “Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will be canceled until March 2.” It said it was “closely monitoring developments.”
About the Author
