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Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned his team against expecting a swift conclusion to the conflict involving Iran, emphasizing that they must avoid the “false comfort” of anticipating a quick resolution. Addressing the parliamentary Liaison Committee, which includes senior MPs, the prime minister expressed his desire for a “swift de-escalation” of the war but stressed that the government needs to prepare for a prolonged situation.
Starmer also clarified that the conflict in Iran is “not our war” for the UK and that any involvement must have a “lawful basis.” His remarks came shortly after former US President Donald Trump announced to the media that talks between the US and Iran had been “very strong” and that there was a “very serious chance of a deal” to end hostilities. While oil prices, previously affected by the conflict, decreased following Trump’s comments, Iran’s foreign ministry denied that any negotiations were ongoing.
During the committee hearing, Sir Keir welcomed the reported talks, confirming that the UK had been aware of them. He emphasized that the “immediate priority has to be a swift resolution of the conflict and delivering a negotiated agreement which puts tough conditions on Iran, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons.” However, he tempered expectations by acknowledging there was “no certainty” that negotiations would succeed immediately. In response to the economic ramifications of the conflict, he disclosed plans to convene an emergency Cobra meeting with senior ministers and the Bank of England’s governor.
Iran’s recent actions include blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz in retaliation to Israeli-US missile strikes, a move that has driven up oil and gas prices. The prime minister indicated that the government is evaluating possible support measures for the public, particularly as the current energy price cap is scheduled to end in June, and energy use typically rises in September. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to make a statement in Parliament on Tuesday regarding the outcomes of the Cobra meeting. Highlighting fiscal caution, Sir Keir pointed out the high costs associated with previous energy support schemes and expressed concerns about the UK’s financial position.
On addressing profiteering related to the energy crisis, Sir Keir noted the government is examining how to strengthen the Competition and Markets Authority’s power, describing current regulation as insufficient. Meanwhile, political leaders on both sides have voiced their views: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for measures such as increased North Sea drilling and cutting carbon taxes, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski urged for a tighter windfall tax on oil and gas companies, along with investments in renewables and energy efficiency.
Regarding military involvement, Sir Keir reiterated the importance of having a “lawful basis and a viable and thought-through plan” before the UK engages further. He explained that this was the reasoning behind the UK’s decision not to participate directly in the official strikes, although the US was permitted to use UK bases for targeting Iranian missile infrastructure. He firmly stated, “This is not our war and we are not getting dragged into this war,” amid ongoing criticism from former US President Trump about the UK’s initial refusal.
The committee hearing also became tense when MPs questioned the UK’s defence preparedness. Concerns were raised over the delayed deployment of the HMS Dragon warship to the Eastern Mediterranean, with Labour MP Tan Dhesi describing the response as “embarrassing.” Further criticism came from Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, who accused the government of “enormous complacency” and said the absence of a defence investment plan was a major obstacle. Sir Keir countered by attributing the military underpreparedness to years of underinvestment under the previous government and cited former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace’s comments about the armed forces being “hollowed out.” He assured MPs that the defence investment plan was currently being finalized.
In additional defence updates provided simultaneously, Defence Secretary John Healey informed MPs that two Iranian missiles had been launched toward the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. He confirmed that one missile fell short and the other was intercepted before reaching its target, and that no action was required as normal operations continue. Healey also confirmed that HMS Dragon has now arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and is beginning to integrate operationally alongside allies in Cyprus
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