Keir Starmer says British planes are ‘in the sky’ in the Middle East

Speaking in Downing Street, Starmer urged against further escalation after the UK did not participate in US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The Prime Minister hit out Iran’s “abhorrent” regime, saying they must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon.

“Earlier this morning the US and Israel struck targets in Iran”, Starmer said.

“Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this mean for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region, which for so many of us includes friends and family members.”

“The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes, but we have long been clear the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent”, he continued.

“I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict. We extend our support and solidarity to them as part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East. We have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we’ve recently strengthened”, the PM added.

“Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies”, Starmer said.

“As Britain has done before, in line with international law, we’ve stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level. We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them”, he continued.

The Prime Minister’s statement comes as the Foreign Office issued urgent warning to Brits in Middle East.

Sir Keir also chaired a Cobra meeting on Saturday, the emergency committee which involves ministers and officials and meets to co-ordinate the response of the UK government.