Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to place Labour’s decision not to enter a conflict with Donald Trump against Iran at the heart of the party’s local election campaign launch on Monday.
Speaking in the West Midlands, Starmer is expected to urge the country to “stand together” during a period of global instability marked by the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Joined by senior cabinet ministers and deputy leader Lucy Powell, he will pledge to continue efforts “to fight to earn every vote” and “fight for the country we are building together, a Britain built for all”.
He will say: “Because, in the context of everything that is happening in the world, those values – that fairness we stand for – it’s never been more important.
“That is the thing about the volatile world we live in now. It tests, not just our security, our strength on the world stage. It also tests our fairness at home. Our unity.”
Starmer Criticises Tory And Reform Iran War Positions
The prime minister is also expected to target political rivals, accusing Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of showing poor judgement over the Iran crisis.
Starmer will say: “We will protect our forces, our people, our allies in the region. But I made the decision that it is not in our national interest to commit British forces to a war, without a clear legal basis and a clear plan – and I stand by that.
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“It’s a question of judgement. Do not forget that the Tories and Reform would have rushed us into this. With no thought of the consequences, including for the cost of living. Utterly reckless.”
Both parties had initially argued that the UK should grant the United States full access to British military bases for pre-emptive strikes on Iran last month.
Starmer declined the request at the time, later permitting access only for defensive and limited operations in a bid to keep British troops out of direct conflict.
Local Elections Loom As Labour Faces Poll Pressure
The campaign launch comes ahead of local elections across England on 7 May, alongside national votes in Scotland and Wales. The contests mark the first major electoral test for Labour since its landslide victory in 2024.
However, the party’s standing has weakened significantly in recent polling. Labour recently lost the Gorton and Denton by-election to the Greens, finishing third behind Reform UK.
Ministers are expected to step up campaigning efforts, with nearly 30 visits planned nationwide in the coming week.
Energy Bills Fall But Global Tensions Raise Future Concerns
The announcement also coincides with a drop in household energy bills, set to fall by £117 as the April to June price cap takes effect.
Starmer is expected to credit Labour’s economic approach for the reduction. However, concerns remain that rising wholesale gas and oil prices could reverse the trend in the following quarter.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to impact global energy markets, with Iranian forces effectively disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by targeting oil tankers, contributing to rising prices worldwide.
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