Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism after approving the use of British military bases by the United States for operations targeting Iran.
The government said the decision was taken to safeguard national interests following missile attacks launched by Iran across the Middle East.
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The developments came after the US and Israel carried out a wave of strikes inside Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other senior regime figures.
In a statement from Downing Street, Starmer stressed that the UK had not taken part in the initial bombardment and maintained that Britain’s actions were within the bounds of international law.
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Starmer said: “Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy. So we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region, because that is our duty to the British people.
“It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further. This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.”
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The move has drawn sharp criticism from several opposition figures. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski accused the prime minister of repeating past mistakes.
It took just one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into yet another Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria. https://t.co/IhCUF9XJ3m
— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) March 1, 2026
He said: “It took just one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into yet another Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for parliamentary scrutiny of the decision.
The UK is now being drawn into a war that the UN considers is contrary to the duties international law places on states & which is a threat to international peace & security. Subservience to Trump should not be the basis of the UK’s foreign policy. Lessons from Iraq forgotten. https://t.co/yoPBzaqOhe
— John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) March 1, 2026
He said: “No matter how the prime minister tries to redefine offensive as defensive, this is a slippery slope. He must not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East.
“Starmer must come to parliament, set out the legal case in full, and give MPs a vote.
“We have a duty to defend our brave British troops and citizens in the region, and that must be the focus of any operations. The UK must not be complicit in illegal military action.”
I am deeply alarmed that British military bases will be used in Trump's bombing of Iran – these attacks violate international law.
The UK government should be focused on de-escalation, diplomacy and a ceasefire – that's the best way of keeping people safe, not following Trump.
— Richard Burgon MP (@RichardBurgon) March 1, 2026
However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage backed the decision, saying Starmer had made the right call — “better late than never”.
Keir Starmer has finally given the US permission to use British bases to destroy Iranian missiles. Better late than never.
The Prime Minister is a follower, not a leader.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) March 1, 2026
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