The Prime Minister lashed out at the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch after she mocked UK military personnel by suggesting that they were ‘just hanging around’ in the Middle East
Keir Starmer has accused Kemi Badenoch of playing “political games” during the conflict in Iran and pledged his focus will always be on protecting people at home.
The PM lashed out at the Tory leader after she claimed UK personnel are “just hanging around” in the Middle East.
Amid concerns about the impact of the war on the cost of living, which could see energy prices soar, Mr Starmer also assured the public they have a Government “on their side”.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Writing in the Sunday Mirror, he said: “The conflict in Iran and the Middle East is worrying for families here in Britain. People are understandably asking what it means for their bills, their communities – and our national security. My focus throughout has been simple – calm and level-headed leadership in the national interest.
“At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games. While opposition parties seek to undermine Britain on the world stage, my Labour government is focused on protecting British people at home and abroad. The world is uncertain. But the steps we have taken since day one of this government mean our country is better placed to navigate it.”
Ms Badenoch had sparked fury with her response to whether she supported firing on Iranian missile bases. She told BBC Breakfast on Friday: “What else are our jets doing, just hanging around there?”.
It comes as the United States began using British bases for specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region, which is putting British lives at risk. RAF Typhoon and F-35 jets have continued air operations over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus and the wider region, while a Merlin helicopter is also now on the way to reinforce Britain’s defensive capabilities.
The PM told voters he understood their concerns, but promised his “government will never abandon working people and their families.” He added: “I know many will still be worried about the impact of this war on the cost of living. But they can be reassured they have a Labour government on their side, focused on protecting their families and acting in the national interest.”
The UK Government will charter a commercial flight out of the United Arab Emirates to help British nationals wanting to leave following the attacks across the region. It will leave Dubai early next week subject to the situation on the ground and there will be a charge for the flight. British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible to register their interest.
It comes as Sadiq Khan warned Donald Trump ’s Iran strikes will fuel “chaos and carnage” in the Middle East. The London Mayor accused the US president of launching a “reckless war” that had been started without “serious thought or strategy as to what comes next”.
In a statement posted on X, Sir Sadiq said: “This is a war of choice. One that is not only causing needless killing and suffering abroad, but could lead to a huge economic shock at home, massively worsening the cost-of-living crisis for Londoners. Households in our city, and across the country, cannot afford the soaring energy bills, food prices and increase in their mortgages that this reckless war could result in.”