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  "path": "/news/iran-news-keir-starmer-stands-decision",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-05T21:42:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Iran LIVE: Rebels launch ground offensive in Iran after US 'hatches plan for covert uprising'",
    "Clashes erupt in Manchester as pro-Tehran and anti-regime protesters face off at Ayatollah vigil",
    "Ed Miliband 'spearheaded' Labour rebellion to US action in Iran after pushing 'pacifist' case",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nSir Keir Starmer has firmly defended Britain's decision to stay out of the opening wave of military action against Iran, describing the choice as calculated and serving the country's interests.\n\nSpeaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Prime Minister said: \"That decision was deliberate, it was in the national interest, and I stand by it.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe emphasised that safeguarding British citizens remains his foremost concern, acknowledging that families across the nation are deeply anxious about loved ones caught up in the escalating crisis.\n\nThe Prime Minister also confirmed he had convened a Cobra meeting earlier in the day to address the deteriorating situation.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBritain's long-held position, he explained, favours a diplomatic resolution where Tehran abandons its nuclear programme.\n\nHowever, Mr Trump has repeatedly blasted the Prime Minister over Britain's response to the conflict.\n\nSpeaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, the US President dismissed Sir Keir with a pointed comparison: \"This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with.\"\n\nMr Trump expressed frustration that Britain had not immediately granted access to its military facilities, telling the New York Post on Thursday: \"It was very disappointing his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe President insisted that the UK \"should be giving us, without question or hesitation, things like bases where we can use others\".\n\nHe also criticised the Chagos Islands deal, claiming it had caused logistical problems requiring American forces to fly additional hours to find alternative landing sites.\n\nSir Keir pushed back forcefully against suggestions he had damaged transatlantic relations when challenged by Conservative MP Gareth Bacon during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.\n\nThe Prime Minister outlined the practical realities of the alliance, stating: \"American planes are operating out of British bases, that is the special relationship in action.\"\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Iran LIVE: Rebels launch ground offensive in Iran after US 'hatches plan for covert uprising'\n  * Clashes erupt in Manchester as pro-Tehran and anti-regime protesters face off at Ayatollah vigil\n  * Ed Miliband 'spearheaded' Labour rebellion to US action in Iran after pushing 'pacifist' case\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe pointed to British aircraft intercepting drones and missiles to safeguard American personnel at shared facilities in the Middle East as further evidence of cooperation. Round-the-clock intelligence sharing between the two nations also continues, he noted.\n\nSir Keir then delivered a pointed rebuke: \"Hanging on to President Trump's latest words is not the special relationship in action.\"\n\nDefence Secretary John Healey has refused to exclude the possibility of British warplanes participating in offensive operations against Iran.\n\nWhen questioned during a visit to Cyprus about whether he would rule out UK involvement in attacking Iranian targets, Mr Healey indicated flexibility was essential.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take,\" he told Sky News.\n\nThe Defence Secretary outlined measures already underway, including the overnight deployment of anti-drone helicopters and plans to bring in a Type 45 air defence destroyer within the coming fortnight.\n\nHe added that senior military planners were being brought in to coordinate contributions alongside allied nations, with German and Greek vessels now operating in the region.\n\nThe Government is working to bring British nationals home from the region, with Sir Keir confirming that a chartered evacuation flight from Oman to the UK had departed after being delayed overnight.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBritain began positioning military assets in the area during January and February, the Prime Minister revealed, with forces deployed particularly to Qatar and Cyprus.\n\nRAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was struck by a drone earlier this week, raising concerns about defensive capabilities at the base.\n\nHMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, will be sent to protect the facility, though current plans indicate the vessel will not leave British waters until next week.\n\nSir Keir maintained he was \"satisfied we can keep our people safe\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "Keir Starmer stands by decision not to join Donald Trump in Iran bombing blitz"
}