Latest news with #PritiPatel
ITV News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- ITV News
If the US strikes Iran could the UK be involved, and would MPs need to approve it?
The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its seventh day as the two countries continue to strike each other's territory, suffering casualties on both sides. The UK has maintained its position that a diplomatic solution would be best for the region and the UK's interests. On Thursday, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to the US to meet his counterpart Marco Rubio to discuss the deteriorating situation. His meeting in Washington comes amid speculation that US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. Concerns have also been raised by MPs fearful of being dragged into the conflict about what legal scrutiny will be afforded to any decision increasing the UK's involvement. So does the UK have a clear position, or is it simply waiting for the US to move before then doing a little bit less? What has the UK said so far? The government has so far stressed that a diplomatic solution in the region is the best option for all parties involved. On Thursday, the , which could deepen the crisis in the Middle East. Sir Keir Starmer said: "The situation in relation to Israel-Iran is obviously fast moving and in those circumstances, it's really important to cling on to the key principles here. "I've been absolutely clear we need to de-escalate this. Yes, the nuclear issue has to be dealt with, but it's better dealt with by way of negotiations than by way of conflict." Addressing MPs on Monday, the foreign secretary said: "Our message to both Israel and Iran is clear. Step back, show restraint, don't get pulled ever deeper into a catastrophic conflict whose consequences nobody can control. "Further escalation in the Middle East is not in Britain's interests, nor the interests of Israel, Iran or the region. "There are hundreds of thousands of British nationals living in the region and with Iran a major oil producer and one fifth of the total world's oil consumption flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating conflict poses real risks for the global economy." The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has yet to do the same for British nationals, asking them to instead register their presence to receive regular updates. This decision has been criticised by the opposition, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel describing the response as "insufficient." Speaking on Thursday, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'There's a huge amount of work being done in the background on contingency planning. It is a fast-moving situation and we keep all our advice and planning under constant review." What is the legal position, and will parliament get a say? The UK's Attorney General, Lord Hermer, is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential involvement from British forces beyond defending its allies. Governments do not usually disclose legal advice from UK attorney generals; however, the Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said the UK cannot 'hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis." Reassuring MPs on Thursday, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said sustained military action involving British troops 'will of course be a matter for the House to consider." Concerns over parliamentary involvement had been raised by Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay, who sought assurances MPs would be given a "debate and a free vote" in the event of further military involvement. Echoing calls for transparency and consultation, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the government should publish Lord Hermer's advice, adding: 'The last thing we need is for the UK to be dragged into another illegal war in the Middle East by the US.' What could this look like, and why are the Chagos Islands involved? The UK has already repositioned troops to the region. Speaking on Thursday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed this decision. "We have moved assets into the region, including Typhoon jets, but we do have bases, we do have personnel in the region," she said. 'As a government, of course, we always want to protect our interests, and so that's why we've made those decisions to move those assets there, in the case of them being needed.' Outside of these precautions, it is thought that if the US were to engage militarily, such a move would require the use of the UK's Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands. This is because America's B-2 stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of carrying specialised "bunker buster" bombs needed to strike Iran's underground nuclear facility, are currently stationed there. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, a Number 10 spokesperson refused to confirm whether the UK would block this or not. " We continue to liaise with international partners," he said. Will he, won't he? What has Trump said? The US President has issued a series of statements on social media, seemingly upping the rhetoric in this Middle Eastern conflict. Last Friday, he claimed to have given Iran a "60-day ultimatum" to "make a deal", warning them "it would be much worse than anything they know" if they failed to do so. "Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn't know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse... Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left," he added. He has since called for Iran's "unconditional surrender", described their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an "easy target" and told reporters he didn't want a ceasefire but a "real end" to the fighting as he threatened to give up on the region entirely. Having left Canada's G7 summit early after signing a joint statement calling for peace, all eyes have been on the president waiting to see what he'll do. On Wednesday, he appeared to enjoy this uncertainty as he joked on the White House lawn: "Nobody knows what I'm going to do." Israel has maintained it is acting to disable Iran's nuclear capabilities, but to complete this objective, it is likely to need military support and equipment that only Trump can provide. Asked what he had to say to the defiant leader of Iran, Trump said only: "I say good luck."
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Give thanks Priti Patel isn't foreign sec – she'd already be at war with Iran
Be thankful for small mercies. If it was up to Priti Patel, the UK would already be at war with Iran. In a former life as international development secretary, Priti got herself fired for freelancing foreign policy on Israel. Now, as shadow foreign secretary, she's at it again. Old habits die hard. Out and about on the morning media round, Priti was volunteering to personally fly the US stealth bombers deep into Iran. To ride the Massive Ordnance Penetrator – the Americans are nothing if not relentlessly macho – bombs deep into the nuclear facility at Fordow. Her very own last-chance power drive. In her defence, you have to remember Priti Vacant has no memory of what happened yesterday, let alone 22 years ago. If she did, she might be aware of what can happen when a UK government tries to hedge its bets on legal advice before going to war in the Middle East. That didn't work out so well for anyone. Arguably, we're all still paying the price of that George Bush–Tony Blair joint venture. Likewise, she has no insight into likely outcomes in the future. She has less imagination than a tardigrade. She is only capable of living entirely in the present. And a very limited present at that. Unaware that you can't bomb knowledge. Unaware that even if the bunker-busting bombs did penetrate 80 metres of reinforced concrete and rock, the destruction would only make Iran more likely to develop a nuclear capability in the future. So it's probably just as well for all of us that we've got someone like Keir Starmer as prime minister. A man whose natural instincts are set towards diplomacy and de-escalation. A lawyer who is likely to take the advice of Richard Hermer, the attorney general, seriously. Who understands that extending a war between Israel and Iran to one that includes the US and the UK is in no one's best interests. No easy task when you're dealing with a US president who seems to think he is starring in his own first-person shooter video game. Donald Trump and Priti Vacant have a disturbing amount in common. It's customary for the prime minister to update the Commons on the meeting of the G7 – or in this case, the G6 and a half – as soon as possible after returning home. But this Thursday, Keir thought better of it. Had decided he had better things to do than face awkward questions from MPs of all parties on just how close the UK was to getting dragged into another war, and whether we intended to let the Americans use Diego Garcia as a base from which to bomb Iran. To avoid being asked what The Donald might do next. As if anyone had any idea. Even Trump doesn't know what Trump will do next. So in the absence of a statement from the prime minister, we got one from chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, on the government's 10-year infrastructure strategy. This felt like a rare outbreak of optimism. A cause for national celebration. At a time when many of us can't be sure we'll still be alive this time next week with the west on the brink of yet another war, we had Darren to hold our hands. Everything was going to be OK. Even if the world was to turn to rubble, Labour had a plan to put things back together. We might not be around to see it, but everything would be OK eventually. On a practical level, this did have an air of hope over experience. After all, when was the last time the UK completed an infrastructure project on time and on budget? Only on Wednesday the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, had given yet another update on the fiasco that is HS2. A rail line that is already billions of pounds over budget, does nothing to increase connectivity to the north and won't be ready until 10 years time at the earliest. The French managed to complete a high-speed railway the same length as HS2 in five years. We are still building tunnels through former Conservative constituencies. HS2 is this country's own Ionesco study of the absurd. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained and Darren was eager to share his Brave New World with us. And here was the thing. The 10 years had already started. Things were already far, far better than they had been. To be fair, they were for Dazza. No one enjoys being in government more than Darren. He's been walking around with a rictus permagrin since last July. This is his time. If only we could all be a bit more like Dazza, the better it would be. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Darren opened our eyes to £725m of new infrastructure spending. What glories! Treasures the like of which had not been seen since Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun's tomb. Hospitals, prisons, schools. Railways. Lucky Wales was to get £445m, the same amount as was being given to refurbish Leeds station. All would be rebuilt in Dazza's own image. And they really would be built. This wasn't a 10-year plan like so many other 10-year plans that barely survive contact with reality. This was to be a 10-year plan that would last for 100 years. Permanent secretaries might feel like temporary secretaries. Minister may come and go. Governments could fall. But the 10-year plan would remain. As would Darren. Because there would be a new quango. The National Infrastructure and Service Transformational Authority had been born to save us all. There was little argument from the Conservative's Richard Fuller about any of this. Then there was hardly like to be. He didn't want to suggest this was all a pipe dream by drawing attention to the fact that the Tories had achieved next to nothing in 14 years. So he just asked which of the projects that the Tories had failed to deliver were being scrapped by Labour. Dazza had no idea. Everything was going to be great. There would be a new level of skills and coordination that didn't currently exist. 'I'm confident in my abilities,' he smirked. That goes down as one of life's understatements. Darren has yet to find something he doesn't do better than anyone else. We might have to hold our breath to see what The Donald did next, but Darren was there to reassure us that the future belonged to him.
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
David Lammy in US for crisis talks after Trump's Israel-Iran comments
Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to meet US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington DC to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, including ongoing strikes between Iran and Israel. The meeting occurs amidst speculation that potential US involvement, considered by Donald Trump, could utilize the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base and its B-2 stealth bombers. UK Attorney General Lord Hermer has reportedly raised legal concerns about British involvement in the conflict beyond defending allies, potentially limiting support for US military action. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stressed adherence to international law, while Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel indicated Conservative support for necessary military action against Iran to prevent nuclear weapons acquisition. The UK government is also focused on the safety of British nationals in Israel, advising against travel and urging registration, while evacuating embassy staff families based on specific risk assessments.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Tories warn Starmer not to 'hide' behind legal advice amid claims Attorney General has been 'restraining' UK from backing Israel
Tories warned Keir Starmer not to 'hide' behind legal advice today amid claims Attorney General Lord Hermer has been 'restraining' the UK from backing Israel. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel urged the PM to take the right decision for 'national security' as the Middle East crisis threatens to escalate. Donald Trump is keeping the world guessing about whether he will join Israeli attacks on Tehran's nuclear facilities. Sir Keir has been urging 'de-escalation' and so far UK forces are not thought to have played a direct part in defending Israel from retaliation. However, the premier might be forced to choose amid speculation that B-2 stealth bombers would use the Chagos Islands airbase if they are brought in to target an enrichment plant deep under a mountain. Keir Starmer could have to give the green light for US bombers to use the Diego Garcia military base for strikes on Iran There are concerns that would leave UK assets and personnel facing reprisals, with RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus a potential target. More jets have been moved into the region to bolster security. With the situation on a knife edge, David Lammy will hold talks with the US secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington later. Lord Hermer, a human rights barrister, is said to have been making the case that the UK should not play a role apart from 'defending our allies'. Despite the UK previously coming to the aid of its ally, Lord Hermer is said to have warned against intervention in the latest conflict, which began on Friday with Israel bombing its long-time enemy. In October, the RAF helped shoot down Iranian missiles fired at Israel in a previous attack. But there has been no British military involvement so far this time. One Whitehall official told The Spectator magazine Lord Hermer, a human rights barrister and stickler for international law, was 'acting as a restraining force'. They said: 'The Attorney General has concerns about the UK playing any role in this except for defending our allies.' There is a long-standing convention that the government does not comment on the legal advice it seeks or receives. The Mail has not been able to corroborate the claims. Asked about the alleged advice from Lord Hermer on Times Radio this morning, Dame Priti said: 'Quite frankly, I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security.' After seeing Mr Trump at a G7 summit in Canada earlier this week, Sir Keir insisted that he did not think the US was on the verge of joining the operations against Iran. But the premier convened an emergency Cobra meeting yesterday to take stock of diplomatic efforts and UK support for British nationals in the region. There are claims that Attorney General Lord Hermer has been advising that the UK can only legally take part in military actions to defend allies. Mr Trump told reporters outside the White House he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire for days after Benjamin Netanyahu announced a campaign to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. A previous deal to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium was torn up by Mr Trump during his first presidency because he regarded it as too weak. The Israeli military has urged residents to evacuate the area around the Arak heavy water reactor, about 155 miles south west of the capital. Iranian state television said the reactor had been attacked, but had been evacuated and there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever'. The Soroka Medical Centre in Beer Sheba, the main hospital in southern Israel, received 'extensive damage' after being hit by an Iranian missile, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected Mr Trump's call for surrender and warned American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage'.
Glasgow Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
David Lammy heads to US for crisis talks over Israel-Iran conflict
Mr Lammy and US secretary of state Mr Rubio will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday evening. Iran and Israel continued striking each other's territory overnight as the crisis deepened. We currently advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, you should register your presence to receive updates ⤵️ — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 16, 2025 A hospital in southern Israel was hit by a missile, while a heavy water facility in Iran was targeted in the latest blow against Tehran's nuclear programme. Mr Lammy's meeting in Washington comes amid speculation US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. But UK Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, something which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. .@POTUS on dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility: "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it — at all." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025 Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told Times Radio: 'Legal advice is for the Prime Minister, and I think that's where it will stay and you can understand why I won't comment on that. 'But what I will say is that we have a Prime Minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer, he will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.' She said Sir Keir Starmer was acting as a 'cool, calm head, to urge all partners around the negotiating table and to find a diplomatic route out of this'. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.' She said the Conservative Party would support British involvement in military action against Iran if it was deemed necessary. Iran long has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% and far in excess of the levels required for power stations. Dame Priti Patel said the Government could not hide behind confidential legal advice in a crisis (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Dame Priti told Good Morning Britain: 'While we want peace in the region, we're crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons. 'And if the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that then we would absolutely support the Government if it deemed it necessary to ensure that we can defend our country, our citizens and effectively a lot of our strategic equities in the Middle East region.' She also told the programme that the Government needs to 'step up' support for Britons stranded in Israel after the airspace was closed. 'I think the current Government's response is not sufficient and if families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,' she said. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel based on a specific assessment of the risks they face, but has not advised British nationals. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The UK Government has pointed out that land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
