Blair Urges UK to Back US Iran War as Starmer Faces Cabinet Divisions
In a video posted on the Novara Media (@NovaraMedia) YouTube channel, former Prime Minister Tony Blair has called on the UK government to fully support the United States in its conflict with Iran, asserting that the American alliance is an "indispensable cornerstone" of British security.
Speaking at a private event, Blair said the UK "should have backed America from the very beginning," adding: "If they are your ally and they are an indispensable cornerstone for your security, you had better show up." His statement drew comparisons to his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, including a declassified note in which he told President George W. Bush, "I will be with you, whatever."
The comments come as reports suggest Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced internal cabinet divisions over UK support for US strikes. According to leaks from the National Security Council cited by The Spectator, Starmer initially argued in favour of allowing the US to use the Diego Garcia base to enhance strike capabilities against Iran.
However, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reportedly took a "petulant, pacifistic, legalistic" approach in resisting, questioning why the UK should support the US. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Business Secretary Shabana Mahmood also urged caution, advocating de-escalation and noting that nuclear negotiations with Iran were progressing.
Starmer subsequently agreed to permit US use of British bases for what he termed "defensive strikes" on Iranian missile sites. US bombers have since arrived at RAF Fairford as Washington warned strikes would "surge significantly."
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the government's stance, stating Britain must learn "lessons from some of the things that went wrong in Iraq." She rejected both unquestioning agreement with the US and refusal to cooperate under any circumstances, arguing that neither serves the national interest.
Source: Blair DESPERATE For Starmer To Join Iran War (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f57nyP7MOK8)