Former prime minister Tony Blair has criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer for failing to support Donald Trump’s decision to carry out bombing raids against Iran.
Blair said the United Kingdom should have stood with the United States “from the very beginning”, arguing that the alliance between the two countries remains vital for British security.
His remarks were made during a private lunch organised by the Jewish News, and come amid continuing tensions between Starmer and Trump over Britain’s initial refusal to support the military operation.
Tony Blair Says UK Should Have Supported US From The Start
Starmer initially rejected a request from Trump for American aircraft to use British bases for bombing missions alongside Israel in Iran.
The Labour leader later reversed that position after Iran launched attacks across the Gulf region, which officials warned could endanger up to 300,000 British citizens in the area.
Blair, who faced widespread criticism for joining the United States in the Iraq War in 2003, said: “I am not saying anything that I haven’t already said to the government. I think we should have backed America from the very beginning.”
Blair Stresses Importance Of The UK–US Alliance
The former prime minister said the strategic partnership between Britain and the United States remains essential.
He added: “We have got to be very clear about this as a country. We’re depending on the American alliance for our country. They are not just an ally, they are an indispensable ally, right?
“Every single time you test an alliance you never test it when things are easy. You test it when it’s hard. They were asking to use our bases to refuel. It’s not like it was in Vietnam, not like the Iraq campaign where we had thousands of British troops.
“The American relationship matters. It matters particularly today. It’s not a question of whether it’s this president or that president. If they are your ally and they are an indispensable cornerstone for your security, you had better show up.”
Blair Responds To Criticism Over Allowing US Jets At British Bases
Blair also addressed the backlash Starmer has faced after eventually permitting American aircraft to operate from British facilities.
On the criticism directed at the Labour leader, he said: “People always complain. The problem for a leader is when you decide you divide. Of course it’s difficult.
“In the end, most of the MPs will know that going into the election it’s going to be decided on different things.”
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He added: “On foreign policy, I think people would just prefer you to be strong and out there and clear, even if they don’t agree with you.”
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