British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for restraint following Israeli strikes targeting Iran‘s nuclear program. “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently,” he said. “Escalation serves no-one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate.”
In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Starmer emphasized the need for diplomacy. “The leaders discussed the long-held grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, and called on all sides to refrain from further escalation that could further destabilize the region,” a Downing Street spokesman said.
Starmer’s comments come as fears of a full-scale conflict escalate, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of “severe punishment” and reports of drone launches in response to the Israeli strikes. The UK has not played any part in the action overnight but is continuing to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has taken a different stance, declining to condemn Israel’s actions. “Iran is an enemy of the UK” that had attempted terrorist acts “on UK soil,” she said. “If Israel is stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons they should not be condemned for that.” Badenoch also emphasized the need for increased defence spending and energy security.
Kemi Badenoch has shown support for Israel’s actions in the past, particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. She described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a “proxy war on behalf of the UK” against Hamas and rejected accusations of genocide. Badenoch also refused to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements, saying she wouldn’t police the language of the prime minister of Israel.
In a recent statement related to the Israel-Iran conflict, Badenoch declined to condemn Israel’s actions, stressing that “Iran is an enemy of the UK” that had attempted terrorist acts “on UK soil.” She added that if Israel is stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons, they should not be condemned for that. This stance has been notable in the context of the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also spoken out, stressing that stability in the Middle East is “vital” for global security. “Further escalation is a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and in no-one’s interest,” he said. “This is a dangerous moment and I urge all parties to show restraint.”
The situation remains volatile, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue the operation until the threat from Iran’s nuclear program is removed. As the international community watches closely, the UK government’s response will be crucial in determining the next steps in the conflict.