Keir Starmer (00:00):
...attacks on Israel seeking to escalate the war. Mr. Speaker, there are an estimated 300,000 British citizens in the regions, residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. Iran has hit airports, and hotels where British citizens are staying. It is deeply concerning for the whole house, and the whole country. And Mr. Speaker, our armed forces are also being put at risk by Iran's actions. On Saturday, Iran hit a military base in Bahrain with missiles, and drones. There were 300 British personnel on the base, some within a few hundred yards of the strike. Last night, a drone hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. There were no casualties in this strike. Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to say that our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers. The security of our friends, and partners in Cyprus is of critical importance. And Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear, the strike on RAF Akrotiri, and Cyprus was not in response to any decision that we have taken.
(01:33)
In our assessment, the drone was launched prior to our announcement. Iran's aggression towards Britain, and our interests is longstanding. And that's why we've always ensured that protections for British bases, and personnel are at their highest level. Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that the death of the Supreme leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. In fact, their approach is becoming even more reckless, and more dangerous to civilians. They are working ruthlessly, and deliberately through a plan to strike not only military targets, but also economic targets in the region with no regard for civilian casualties. That is the situation we face today, and to which we must respond. Mr. Speaker, I've been speaking to our Gulf partners over the weekend. They're outraged by Iran's acts, particularly as they played no part in any strikes. And they've asked us to do more to defend them.
(02:49)
Moreover, it is my duty, the highest duty of my office, to protect British lives. [inaudible 00:02:59] That is why we put British jets in the air, typhoons, and F-35s, as part of coordinated defensive operations, which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes, including Mr. Speaker taking out one drone that was heading towards a coalition base in Iraq, housing UK service personnel. I want to pay tribute to our brilliant service men, and women, putting themselves in harm's way to keep others safe. And I know the whole house will join me in expressing our gratitude, and our respect. But Mr. Speaker, it is simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile, and every drone after they've been launched. The only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source in their storage depots, or at the launches. The US requested permission to use British bases for that specific, and limited defensive purpose, because they have the capabilities to do so.
(04:09)
Yesterday evening, we took the decision to accept that new request in order to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved. To be clear, the use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes. We are not joining the US, and Israeli offensive strikes. [inaudible 00:04:42] The basis for our decision is the collective self-defense of longstanding friends, and allies, and protecting British lives. It is in accordance with international law, and we've produced a summary of our legal advice, which clearly sets this out. We will keep the decision under review. [inaudible 00:05:06] Mr. Speaker, we are not joining the strikes, but we will continue our defensive actions in the region. France, and Germany are also prepared to enable US action to destroy Iran's capability, to fire missiles, and drones from source. I've been in close contact with President Macron, and Chancellor Murtz in recent days, as well as President Trump, and leaders across the region to that end.
(05:35)
Mr. Speaker, being no doubt, the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. In January, they murdered thousands of their own people. The full horror of which is still hidden from the world. For decades, they have sought to destabilize the region, and export terror around the world. Their proxies in Yemen have targeted British ships in the Red Sea. They've facilitated Russia's attacks in Ukraine. The regime's tentacles have even reached these shores, posing a direct threat to Iranian dissidents, and to the Jewish community. Over the last year alone, Iran has backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil, each of which, Mr. Speaker, we have foiled. So, it's clear the Iranian regime must never be allowed to get their hands on nuclear weapons. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom, and our allies, including the US. And ultimately, this will have to be achieved at the negotiating table. Mr. Speaker, in this dangerous moment, our first thoughts are with our citizens in the region, friends, family members, and constituents.
(06:56)
I recognize the deep concern that the situation is causing for those involved, and for communities across the country. We're asking all British citizens in the region to register their presence so we can provide the best possible support, and to monitor the home office travel advice, which is being regularly updated. Across much of the region, airspace remains closed, and local authorities are advising individuals to shelter in place. The situation on the ground may remain challenging for some time, so we're sending rapid deployment teams to the region to support our British nationals on the ground, and we're in close contact with the travel industry, and governments in the region, including with our friends in the UAE, given the concentration of British nationals in that country, and we're looking at all options to support our people. We want to ensure that they can return home as swiftly, and safely as possible. The FCDO phone lines are open to provide consular support, and ministers are available to meet MPs to discuss any individual cases.
(08:15)
Mr. Speaker, we're also reaching out to communities across the United Kingdom, including Muslim, and Jewish community organizations, and we're making sure that sites across the country, including places of worship, have appropriate protective security in place. Mr. Speaker, the situation in the region is developing rapidly, so we will continue to update the house in coming days. Mr. Speaker, I've spoken recently about the toll that global events are taking here at home. They come crashing into our lives with ever greater frequency, hitting our economy, driving up prices on the supermarket shelves, or at the pump, dividing communities, bringing anxiety, and fear. That's why how we operate on the world stage matters so much. [inaudible 00:09:07]
(09:08)
Mr. Speaker, we all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any UK actions must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought through plan. I say again-
Speaker 2 (09:29):
We haven't changed.
Keir Starmer (09:30):
We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now, but in the face of Iran's barrage of missiles, and drones, we will protect our people in the region, and support the collective self-defense of our allies, because that is our duty to the British people. It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat, to prevent the situation spiraling third, and support return to diplomacy. It is the best way to protect British interests, and British lives. That is what this government is doing, and I commend this statement to the house. [inaudible 00:10:12]
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch.
Kemi Badenoch (10:18):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And can I thank the prime minister for advanced sight of his statement, and for the security briefing I received earlier. This is a defining moment for the people of Iran, the wider Middle East, and the world order. I know that hundreds of thousands of British people still in the region, many sheltering from drone attacks are fearful about making it home. I agree with the prime minister that everyone in the region should follow FCDO advice, and register their presence with the British embassy. Can the prime minister confirm whether he is making contingency plans for a potential evacuation of UK citizens, and what stage the operational planning is at? Let me also, Mr. Speaker, pay tribute to our brave service personnel stationed in British spaces in the region. I know that this will be an anxious time for them, and their families. They all have our support.
(11:18)
Mr. Speaker, we stand in solidarity with our allies, including Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, who along with others have been on the receiving end of unprovoked aggression. On Saturday, our allies, the United States, and Israel, took targeted action against the Iranian regime. A regime which for decades has been brutally repressing its own citizens, whose leader had the blood of hundreds of thousands of Iranians on his hands, and of countless others around the world killed by Iranian proxies. This regime is the world's foremost sponsor of international terrorism. It seeks to annihilate the world's only Jewish states. It has said so repeatedly, and we should take despots at their word. It is a regime whose apparatchik's chant "Death to Britain." It has attacked British nationals, and conducted multiple plots on British soil as the head of MI5 has warned. It is manufacturing drones en masse for Russia, drones which are reigning down on innocent Ukrainians, and [inaudible 00:12:29] it continues to try to develop nuclear weapons in flagrant violation of international agreements.
(12:36)
Nuclear weapons, which if obtained, would be an existential threat for this country. The outcome of Ayatollah Khamenei's death will, we hope, be a safer Middle East, and a safer world with the future of Iran back in the hands of the Iranian people. But that outcome is not yet guaranteed. On Saturday, our allies in Canada, and Australia immediately batched the action taken by America against this despotic regime in Tehran. And I have made it very clear that the Conservative Party also stands behind America taking this necessary action [inaudible 00:13:15] against state sponsored terror. But over the weekend, statements from the government, and the prime minister provided no such clarity. It was only last night that the prime minister finally told us that the government would allow our allies the use of our own air bases despite it being obvious that UK interests were under imminent threat. It took Iranian missiles hitting allies in the Gulf before he finally made a decision.
(13:45)
And even after that, the foreign secretary said this morning that the government has put limits on the actions of our allies operating from our basis. Unbelievably, in his statement today, the prime minister still cannot say whether he backs the strikes, or not. Today, the President of the United States has taken the extraordinary step of rebuking the prime minister publicly, saying he took far too long to grant access. We are told that this dither, and delay is because of concerns over international law, but I am afraid that explanation simply does not hold. International law didn't prevent our allies from clearly, and unequivocally stating whose side they were on. You don't need international law to say whose side you're on. It has not prevented British governments in the past from supporting strikes, which we knew to be right. As the shadow attorney general has said, if the doctrines of international law are unable to restrain Iranian terrorism, and mass murder, if they tie the hands of democracies while forcing us to stand, and watch Iranian atrocities, international law will have failed.
(14:57)
It will have become a fundamentally immoral system of law. [inaudible 00:15:02] Why is it that under this prime minister, international law always seems to be at odds with our national interest. Why is it that we are giving away... Why is it [inaudible 00:15:16] Why is it that we are giving away the Chagos Islands, and paying 35 billion pounds for the privilege rather than standing up for our national interest, and protecting the crucial military base, which even now our allies are using. We in this house are elected to stand up for Britain's national interest, and where the government is doing the right thing, we will always back them. So, let me reiterate our offer that if the government brings forward legislation to fast track banning the IRGC, we will support them. But let me ask the prime minister, what national interest was served by refusing to help our allies for so long, particularly when we so need American support to protect Ukraine's, and Europe security?
(16:06)
Are we going to see new UK military capabilities deployed to protect our security partners, our bases, including in Cyprus, and British nationals in the region? And will the prime minister ensure the chancellor uses the spring statement tomorrow to set Britain on a clear path to 3% of GDP on defense spending? There is no point wanting action to make the world a safer place, but being too scared to do anything except standby, and watch others. Mr. Speaker, our national interest, and national security must be front, and center. The Conservative Party will always work with our allies to make the world a safer place. [inaudible 00:16:51]
Keir Starmer (16:54):
Mr. Speaker, she asked about contingency plans for UK nationals, and I can assure her in the house we're working at speed with our partners in the region to take whatever measures we can to make sure that our people can return as safely, and as swiftly as possible, and we'll continue to do so. And I'm happy to update her, and the house as we roll out those plans. Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. There were two distinct, and separate decisions over the weekend. The first decision was whether, or not the United Kingdom should join the US Israel offensive against Iran. We took the decision that we should not. [inaudible 00:17:39] We should not.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Absolutely right.
Keir Starmer (17:42):
The second decision was a separate decision, and actually a separate request from the US, which was whether we should permit the use of bases for the distinct, specific, defensive purpose of collective self-defense of our allies, and to protect British lives, which were put at risk by the actions of Iran on Saturday, and Sunday. We took the decision that we should do so. I am clear in my mind that any UK action must always have a lawful basis. It must also, always have a viable, and thought through plan.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Yes.
Keir Starmer (18:27):
And it must be in our national interests.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
Yes.
Keir Starmer (18:31):
The leader of the opposition, I think is saying she would have joined the initial strikes, whether they were lawful, or not. [inaudible 00:18:42] I noticed she didn't say the shadow attorney general said they would have been lawful, just that the law should be changed. And I think she said they would have joined the initial strikes without regard to whether they had a plan. She was very critical of us not joining sooner. Therefore, it's impossible to have that position without arguing that we should, and we could have joined. I fundamentally disagree. And Mr. Speaker, I will tell the house why. Where our military personnel take action, putting their lives at risk, it is our duty, my duty, to ensure they have a lawful basis. [inaudible 00:19:36].
(19:36)
On Saturday, we deployed UK pilots into the sky in the region, and they've been working there ever since. They deserve to know that their actions are lawful, and there is a viable thought through plan. And I will not, countenance, committing our military personnel to action, which doesn't have a lawful basis. That is not a fair thing to do to our serving personnel, and no UK prime minister has ever committed our personnel to action unless it's got a proper lawful basis. [inaudible 00:20:20]
Speaker 1 (20:20):
For the select committee, Dame Emily Thorberry.
Dame Emily Thornberry (20:24):
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Although the attack on Iran by the US, and Israel was ill-advised, ill-judged, and illegal, it is absolutely no excuse for the Iranians to recklessly bombard its Gulf neighbors. I'd like to ask the prime minister, is he in a position to give us more details on what we're doing with our Ukrainian friends to support the collective self-defense of Arab nations against the Iranian Shai drones that are causing so much damage in Ukraine, and now in the Gulf.
Speaker 4 (21:01):
Here, here.
Keir Starmer (21:02):
Can I thank her for that question because it is an important question. Ukraine, sadly, has more expertise than anyone in dealing with drones, and that's why we're putting their expertise, and our expertise together, and using it to help our allies in the region as they struggle with drones as we speak.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the liberal Democrats.
Sir Edward Davey (21:23):
...you, Mr. Speaker, and can I thank the prime minister for advanced sight in his statement for my security briefing? Once again, President Trump has launched a unilateral, and unlawful act. Ayatollah Khamenei was a brutal dictator, and a monstrous war criminal. He supported Hamas, and the October the 7th atrocities, and he massacred thousands of his own people for daring to protest against decades of repression. I shed no tears for him. But instead, I think of all the innocent Iranian civilians who have lost their lives. I think of the US service personnel killed in action, our allies, and partners in the region who are being outrageously targeted by Iran, and our British bases, which have already faced attack. They did not choose this war, Donald Trump did, and he will bear responsibility for it. We have seen before what happens when an American president launches an illegal war with no idea how, or when it is going to end, and we fear for what comes next.
(22:31)
So, in discussions with the White House, has the prime minister demanded to find out what Trump's plan is for what comes next? Does the prime minister understand that when he fails to stand up to Trump, especially when he breaks international law, it makes our country less safe? And how will the primers be sure that defensive operations from UK bases will not become offensive, and in rightly protecting our allies in the region, can we be sured by the prime minister that he won't follow Trump's lead down a slippery slope into a protected conflict? And finally, Mr. Speaker, we rightly expect our brave armed forces to protect British citizens around the world in crises like this, but that includes tax exiles like Isabel Oakshot, and washed up old footballers who mock ordinary people who stay in the UK, and pay our taxes here. So, as we protect them, does the prime minister agree with his only right for tax exiles to start paying taxes to fund our armed forces just like the rest of us do? [inaudible 00:23:40]
Keir Starmer (23:42):
Well, can I thank you for this question, and agree that the response of Iran has been outrageous, particularly hitting countries which played no part in the strikes on them. We have had extensive discussions with the United States at all levels, including the military to military level, continually over the course of the weekend. We deliberately took the decision not to join the offensive strikes that were carried out by the US, and Israel. We did take the decision to take defensive action, firstly, ourselves on Saturday with putting pilots in the sky, and secondly, by allowing the basis to be used for purely defensive reasons, and we clearly set out the legal basis upon which we took the second of those decisions. And in relation to the limits, they are limited to defense, and that is the base upon which we've agreed the basing. In relation to his last point, I want to be clear that it is my duty, our duty, to protect all UK nationals in the region, and we will endeavor to do everything we can in order to do so.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Chair of the defense [inaudible 00:24:52] committee, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (24:54):
Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. The Iranian regime, including its late leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are of course no friends of our country, but I thank the prime minister for clarifying that the UK had no involvement in the Israeli, and US strikes on Iran. And indeed, my heartfelt condolences to all those who have sadly lost loved ones in the region thus far. And I'm extremely concerned about the safety of the millions of people in the region, including the thousands of Brits who are living there, and currently stranded there. So, can the prime minister please confirm what steps are being taken to ensure their safety, especially from the one-way attack drones? What steps are being taken to help evacuate those Brits who are stranded, and want to come back to the UK, and what steps are being taken with our allies to help deescalate the situation?
Keir Starmer (25:56):
In relation to the protection of our citizens, obviously we're still operating, and we will continue operating defensively in the air, in the region, taking out the missiles, and the drones, and the strikes, and we have permitted the US facing specifically for the purpose of taking out Iran's ability to launch the strikes in the first place. And the US has the capability to do that in particular. On the question of our citizens, and their desire, understandably, to return home as swiftly, and safely as possible, we're doing all that we can working very closely with our partners in the region, and I would ask all those in the region to register their presence so we can give them the best advice as quickly as possible as to how we can keep them safe, and bring them home as quickly as possible.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
For the House, Sir Edward Leigh. [inaudible 00:26:48].
Sir Edward Leigh (26:48):
Whilst many of us believe that we should be guided by the law of national self-interest, not so called international law, does the prime minister agree that we are right to be cautious in this matter, that the British public will warmly support him in defending British people, and bases, but they're very skeptical about being dragged into the cess pit of Middle East politics. They remember Iraq, which some of us voted against. They remember all the arguments about weapons of mass destruction. What evidence actually is there that Iran was on the cusp of acquiring nuclear weapons? And since when has regime changed in the skies ever changed the regime?
Keir Starmer (27:39):
Let me thank him for his question. This government does not believe in regime change from the skies, and I thank him for his question. The lessons of history have taught us that it is important when we make decisions like this, that we establish there is a lawful basis for what the United Kingdom is doing. That is one of the lessons from Iraq, and that there's a viable thought through plan with an objective that can be achieved, or has a viable prospect of being achieved. That is the principles that I apply to the decisions that I made over the weekend. They're the principles I applied to the decision not to get involved in the offensive strikes of the US, and Israel. They're also the principles I applied separately to the separate decision, and a separate request from the US to be able to take defensive action in order to hit the launches for the missiles that are currently going into allies, countries in the region, and currently threatening our citizens, and our service personnel.
(28:47)
And I stand by both of those decisions. I repeat, I am not prepared to commit our military service people to action unless I am sure that what they're doing is lawful, and has a viable basis. We can discuss what the law is on another occasion, but the law is what it is, and they deserve to know that their prime minister cares, and pays attention to whether what I'm asking them to do is lawful, and I will always do that.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
Diane Abbott, mother of the house.
Diane Abbott (29:19):
The prime minister will be aware that very many of our constituents remember the Iraq war, and they will have noted the similarities between this war, and the Iraq war, both in the Middle East, and both illegal. Of course, this regime, the current regime in Iran is a horrible regime, violent, murderous, and a threat to international order, but does he accept that our constituents
Diane Abbott (30:00):
... are not prepared to see this country dragged into another war even in the nature of the Iraq war.
Keir Starmer (30:16):
Can I thank her and assure her that we do need and have learned the lessons of Iraq, which is why I've been so clear there must be a lawful basis and a viable thought-through plan? In relation to our nationals, I think everybody and all of our constituents would expect our government to take action to protect British nationals. We have 300 British nationals in the region. They are at risk. And we've already seen strikes on hotels and airport, hotels where our British nationals have been staying. We've had strikes near military bases within hundreds of yards of our personnel, it's our duty to take the action that we can take and will take to protect them.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (30:58):
Sir Oliver Dowden.
Sir Oliver Dowden (30:59):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that the Prime Minister has outlined that the Iranians attacked a United Kingdom sovereign base at Akrotiri, why does that not form the basis for legal military action against the Iranians, not just hosting US forces on our bases, but taking direct action at source against the launch of such missiles as we did in relation to the Iranian proxies, the Houthis in previous conflicts that he supported. Moreover, given the Iranians ability to exercise malign influence on the streets of this country, what reassurances can he give the House and the public at large about coordination across our intelligence and security capabilities to address this heightened threat on our streets?
Keir Starmer (31:49):
In relation to the second point, can I turn there is coordination going on for that very reason, as I set out in my statement, there've been 20 Iranian backed plots to take action on our streets, all of which have been thwarted. And I pay my respect to our security and intelligence services in the work that they do. In relation to the point he makes, there were two separate decisions made over the weekend. We are in the sky taking action defensively in our allies. Among the reasons we agreed to the request from the US yesterday is because they have the capability to take the missile launches out in Iran. And that is why we gave them the permission to use our basis in order to reduce the threat to our citizens.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (32:35):
[inaudible 00:32:37].
Anna Turley (32:38):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister has spoken about possibly repatriating British citizens in the region. Can he tell us whether this will be through the MOD? And if so, who will foot the bill? Will it be the MOD, the Treasury, or those who have been repatriated?
Keir Starmer (32:59):
We're working across all departments in relation to repatriation. And at the moment, we're simply focused on working with our allies to get a plan together to get people out in the first place and to do it as quickly, safely as possible. And there's no intention to charge people for that.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (33:18):
Sir Andrew Mitchell.
Andrew Mitchell (33:21):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister's reaction at the end of last week appeared to many to be both anemic and disappointing and a variance with the other Five Eye nations. Will he read the analysis of the shadow attorney, the noble and learned KC Lord Wolfson, which shows not only that British active engagement and support is within international law, but that those who seek to use international law to constrain us in these circumstances have the effect of leaving tyrants and murderers in place to continue perpetrating their vile deeds with impunity?
Keir Starmer (34:04):
Mr. Speaker, we obviously coordinate with our Five Eyes partners. We were dealing with a specific request to take action, and that was important that we applied the principles that actually have been applied by successive governments, which is to ask the question and get legal advice on the question. Is there a lawful basis for what is proposed and does it have a viable thought-through plan? It's not a legal question. It's about exposing our military personnel to action that risks their lives, making sure that it is lawful before we ask them to do that. I think that is the duty of the prime ministers and previous prime ministers taking exactly the same approach. I will, of course, read the shadow attorney's advice, but I'm very clear in the advice that I received and I will not commit our military personnel to unlawful action. That is not what they would expect and deserve. They are entitled to better than that.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (35:01):
Sir McDonnell.
John McDonnell (35:06):
As others have mentioned that from Iraq to Afghanistan to Libya, I think many of us know the way this goes. And there are responsibilities on all of our shoulders and the Prime Minister is right. There needs to be a plan. Has the US president shared with him or consulted with him on what the plan is? Because from our experience, we know that it's easy for politicians to start the war and fire the weapons. It's when the shooting ends, the nightmare begins. That's why we need clarity of our role as a country, an independent country, not necessarily swayed even by Donald Trump. And can I say to him, when he stood for the leadership of the Labor Party, he very clearly set out that there would be a vote in this House on any decision about military action. Can I ask him to assure us so that we don't drift into this war as we have in the past that there will be a vote in this House?
Keir Starmer (36:19):
Can I thank him in his right to urge caution. History teaches us that, and that is why it's important not only that there's a lawful basis, but there is a plan that is viable and thought through. And obviously we've had discussions at all levels with the US in relation to that. In relation to the decision I took yesterday, I'm very clear what the lawful basis is and what the plan in relation to protection of our nationals is. On the question he raises about a vote, that is of course a vote on offensive action deploying our troops or military, and that is not this situation.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (36:55):
Carmichael.
Alistair Carmichael (36:57):
You will recall that in 2003, this House voted to support George Bush's war in Iraq and that 10 years later, then we voted against supporting Barack Obama's intervention in Syria. I believed and still believed that in both occasions we made the wrong decision, but it was of critical importance for the political and even the social cohesion of this country that these should be decisions made in this chamber. Mr. Speaker, the people of the United Kingdom will not support an intervention that does not have a clear objective and a clear plan for post-conflict period. Will the Prime Minister be guided by these principles and will he ensure that this House is given its place in whatever is handed to us in the weeks and months to come?
Keir Starmer (37:54):
Well, of course this House must hold accountability and debate on this issue, but just in relation to the vote, there is no convention for a vote in relation to defensive action, only offensive action, and nor could there be realistically, defensive action has to be taken at very swift notice. On Saturday morning, I had to take the decision to deploy our pilots to the sky in order to defend our UK nationals. There is no way we could have waited for a debate or vote in the House. Equally, last night I had to take a decision about the deployment and use of bases and to do that when it was important to do it as a matter of some urgency. But I'd agree with him there must be a full debate in the House, but actually the vote in the House is in relation to deployment of military personnel for offensive action. And that is something I have advocated.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (38:49):
Abtisam Mohamed.
Abtisam Mohamed (38:51):
Mr. Speaker, I have constituents and family in the region, all terrified about what may come next. The world is infinitely a more dangerous place today than it was last week. Trump and Netanyahu chose to throw away diplomacy and launch a direct attack on Iran. An attack which as the Prime Minister has said can never be justified under international law. Equally, Iran's indiscriminate attacks on airports and hotels across the Gulf are also flagrant and violations of sovereignty and clear breaches of international law. Does the Prime Minister recognize that this regime change attempt like so many others before it will only result in years of instability and conflict in the region and what assurances can the Prime Minister give that the UK's involvement will remain in defense and will not turn into full scale military involvement as we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan and Libya?
Keir Starmer (39:42):
Can I thank her for a question and be absolutely clear about the basis upon which the request was acceded to yesterday was the collective self-defense of our allies and the protection of British nationals? That remains the case. If it changes, I'll of course make a different decision and inform the House and therefore she can rest assured that that's the basis of the action that we've taken and will remain the basis of the action we've taken.
Rebecca Smith (40:06):
Sir Jeremy Hunt.
Sir Jeremy Hunt (40:07):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. British influence in the Middle East is directly linked to the strength of our military and our willingness to use it. When he took office, the Prime Minister rightly increased defense spending, but that sum is now widely thought to be too little and taking too long. So, will he unlock the argument between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defense so that this House can always have confidence that we will maintain a military formidable enough to defend our borders, our interests, and our values?
Keir Starmer (40:39):
Yes, we're working at speed on that and it's an important point and it's important that we do so. I would remind the party opposite that they hollowed out our armed forces. It was this government that increased defense spending in the course of this parliament.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (40:52):
Scrogham.
Michelle Scrogham (40:55):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the weekend, I passed through Dubai airport and along with thousands of other people and many of my own constituents, as it turns out, boarded a flight home. Shortly after leaving, we heard the news that this attack had happened. And my immediate thoughts went to the people that were still in the airport that were then grounded and stuck there, not knowing where to turn and what was going to happen. Now, rather than the blatant aggression and angry sneers that we're seeing from some of the opposition, would the prime minister agree that what we need in this situation is calmness and a clear and strategic plan. That is what our constituents want.
Keir Starmer (41:40):
And I thank her, and I'm sure that's what our constituents do want. Can I also say how concerned? I think we all are across the House, that the attacks on hotels and airports in particular. These are hotels that British nationals and others are using and airports, of course, that civilians are using. This is the extent of the strikes by Iran and the reckless disregard for civilian life that comes with the targets they're working through.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (42:14):
Sarah Olney.
Sarah Olney (42:14):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of Iran have suffered decades of atrocities under the rule of an oppressive regime. However, as we've seen from Iraq and from Libya, the removal of an evil head of state without a future plan for governance can lead to countries becoming failed states. So while I welcome the Prime Minister's reluctance to involve the UK in another protracted war in the Middle East, I remain unclear on the government's vision for the region. I'd like to ask the Prime Minister, does he want regime change? Have his officials contacted the leading opposition figures such as Reza Pahlavi to arrange such contingency plans or does he wish to negotiate a diplomatic solution with the current regime?
Keir Starmer (42:56):
Mr. Speaker, the immediate plan is obviously to take the necessary measures to protect our nationals. And look, I don't think anybody mourns the death of the Supreme Leader. I firmly believe that ultimately the only way forward is a negotiated outcome. Whatever the conflict going on, in the end, it will have to end in a negotiated outcome. And that has been the consistent position of both parties for a considerable period of time.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (43:27):
Polly Billington.
Polly Billington (43:32):
[inaudible 00:43:32], we have rightly been focused on defending and protecting British citizens in the region. Can the Prime Minister confirm though that he believes that the future of the Iranian government is a matter for the Iranian people and no one else? And can we, as soon as possible, focus our diplomatic efforts on deescalation and peace, including identifying allies in a coalition of the willing to bring this to an end?
Keir Starmer (43:56):
Can I strongly agree with her that the future for the Iranian people, and we must absolutely establish that as a founding principle, and that it is our duty to deescalate in the region and globally. And of course, it's really important that we're acting with our allies, and that's why I was talking to both the Germans and the French over the course of the weekend on a number of occasions.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (44:21):
Tom Tugendhat.
Tom Tugendhat (44:25):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For those of us who were ready to go into Iraq just over 20 years ago, the comparisons between this and that vote are absolutely zero. The reality is nobody is talking about ground troops. Nobody is talking about a land invasion. What we're talking about here is striking those targets that are targeting our friends and allies. Now, in the last few hours, we know of over 500 rockets that have struck the United Arab Emirates, and no doubt many have struck bases around the area. Will he be deploying Dauntless and Duncan out to the Gulf right now? They're both at a state of residence, and I'm sure the Defense Secretary could give that order this afternoon. And perhaps most importantly, what conversations has his honorable friend, the Foreign Secretary had with colleagues in the region? Because we talk about solution in conversation with others, but frankly, at the moment, it looks like there will be conversation with nobody because these events will be happening without us having any part in them.
Keir Starmer (45:34):
Thank you for his question. Nobody is making the comparison with Iraq. There is a question of drawing the lessons from Iraq and the lessons I draw is that there must be a lawful basis for the action that we take and there must be a viable plan on the question of the operational matters. I won't go into that across the dispatch box. As for his point about the Foreign Secretary, at all levels, including the Foreign Secretary, we've been talking intensively to our allies over the last few days intensively, and they've been extremely grateful for what we've done and the way in which we have engaged. I've spoken personally to all the leaders in the region, so I'm not sure what point he's making about us not being involved. They are very grateful for the way that we've involved and the foreign secretary and defense secretary have worked around the clock in the last few days to ensure that all the necessary conversations are had, as he would expect, and I think he probably knows, has been happening.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (46:28):
Uma Kumaran.
Uma Kumaran (46:28):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, can I thank the Prime Minister for setting out clearly the reasons why Britain did not join the US and Israel's attacks on Iran? Can I also thank him for ensuring the defense of Britain's Gulf partners and protecting the 300,000 Britains in the region? I agree with him that a negotiated settlement and diplomacy is the best path to peace. Can the Prime Minister outline the role Britain is playing to ensure that the Iranian people are listened to so that they have peace and security ahead, not more war and chaos, not another murderous Iranian regime and not another US imposed regime change.
Keir Starmer (47:04):
Well, I thank her for her question. We've been very, very clear in relation to the future of Iran that it must be for the Iranian people and that in the end, the question of nuclear weapons will have to be negotiated. And so, we will also always ultimately have to get to that point.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (47:23):
Stephen Gethins.
Stephen Gethins (47:25):
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister will understand why the ghost of Iraq do hang heavy over this chamber at times like this. And on that basis, does he agree with me that the best tribute to the murderers in Tehran and the Iranian regime is a maintenance of an international rules-based system. And more than that, we owe it to the people across the region to learn from the instability that we had in the aftermath of Iraq. And in that basis, will he tell us what is the long-term viable plan?
Keir Starmer (47:54):
Thank you for his question. And we do need to learn the lessons of history, and that's why a rules-based system is important. It's also the rules-based system that allows us to make arrangements to get our citizens home and to take other matters in conjunction with other countries. And in relation to the plan on the basis of the decision I took last night, that is to take the necessary measures to protect British nationals. And we're clear that in the end, there has to be deescalation and a return to negotiation.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (48:27):
Alex Ballinger.
Alex Ballinger (48:28):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and can I thank the PM for his restraints in this operation so far and not heeding the calls from the leader of the opposition to get us embroiled in the reckless US and Israeli strikes on Iran. I still remember interventions in the region, and colleagues not returning from Afghanistan, friends who were shot down and tortured over Iraq and the massive destruction that we've seen to civilians. So, will the prime minister commit to limiting UK personnel to defensive operations to protect our citizens and our allies and not get us further embroiled in this unwise and dangerous war?
Keir Starmer (49:03):
Yes, I can. And I can absolutely assure him and the House that there will always be a lawful basis for any actions that we take and there must be a viable plan for it.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (49:12):
Rebecca Smith.
Rebecca Smith (49:14):
Speaker over the weekend, I heard from families in my constituents, whose loved ones, also my constituents, are amongst the 300 service personnel in Bahrain who are within meters of the Iranian missile strike. Now, given we have known about the US force buildup in the region for some time, why did the activity to decommission HMS Lancaster in Bahrain continue? And I trust this is not an operational question. Will the works be paused and service personnel withdrawn until the threat status has been downgraded?
Keir Starmer (49:44):
Well, I thank her for a question. In relation to her constituents, can I ask her if they haven't already done so to ask them to register their presence as quickly as possible so that we can give them the necessary advice because this is about how we get people coming out in the coming days. There are obviously wider questions in the region, but it is very important that we take the necessary measures in the coming days.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (50:08):
Imran Hussain?
Imran Hussain (50:09):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and now this illegal war on Iran. The reality is time and time again, we are dragged into conflicts that are illegal, make the region less stable and result in devastation and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. Have we not learned the lessons from the past? So, will the prime minister make it clear from that dispatch box? Firstly, Britain is not Trump's poodle and never again will we be a launchpad for illegal and endless wars that have no plan and no end. And will he make it clear that any final decision will be made by this House?
Keir Starmer (51:00):
Can I thank him for his question and give him and the House my assurance that I will always act in the British national interest? That's the basis of the two decisions I took this weekend.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (51:09):
Monica Harding.
Monica Harding (51:10):
Mr. Speaker, will the Prime Minister confirm the exact limits of defensive operations and guarantee that these limits won't change and will the UK withdraw consent to use our bases if there are proof that they are being used to carry out offensive missions by the US?
Keir Starmer (51:28):
The basis is collective lawful defense in relation to our allies. The purpose is to take out the ability of Iran to carry out the strikes that are currently being carried out across the region and threatening British nationals and the actions from our basis will of course be monitored as she would expect.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (51:49):
Samantha Niblett.
Samantha Niblett (51:52):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, can I associate myself with the comments of the Prime Minister and giving thanks to our brave armed forces who're serving right now? I have constituents in South Derbyshire, and I'm sure we all do across the country who look at their TV screens and at their social media and see some world leaders who appear reckless, both internationally and domestically overseeing what looks like state sponsored murder of people in their own country. So, can I thank him for his cool head in this engagement? And can I please implore him to continue exactly as he is taking all the evidence into accounts and making decisions that are within the law and putting the interest of our British citizens, both in the countries that are under attack and in the region and at home at first and foremost.
Keir Starmer (52:38):
Can I thank you for a question? I've set out the principles on which I've taken the decisions that I've taken this weekend. We keep uppermost in our mind the protection of our citizens and nationals who are in the region. There's 300,000 of them. They are at risk and it's very important that we do everything we can to keep them safe and secure.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (52:57):
Richard Tice.
Richard Tice (52:58):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The truth is this dreadful Iranian regime has been a permanent threat to British interests, British citizens, both domestically and abroad, attacking us, they're spreading their extremist ideology. And surely the Prime Minister understands that actually the United States and Israel has done the West a huge, huge favor in degrading the military capability of this terrible regime. And did you not understand that after 10 years of negotiation that have failed, actually the West was left with no alternative? And does he understand also that actually in refusing to support the US, he has humiliated us on the international stage?
Keir Starmer (53:43):
Can I agree with him that the regime is abhorrent for all the reasons that I've already set out? But I think he's saying that because of that, it is perfectly right for a British Prime Minister to deploy and take action, which would not be lawful. I simply and fundamentally disagree. I think it's a very important principle when we're talking about our personnel, that we ensure that what we're asking them to do and they're being asked to put their lives at risk, that we ensure that it is lawful. I believe in that fundamentally, I'm surprised if he doesn't.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (54:17):
Bambos Charalambous.
Bambos Charalambous (54:19):
In his statement, the Prime Minister mentioned the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri and the UK support for the security of friends and partners in Cyprus. Can he tell us how the UK's coordinating efforts with the Cyprus government to ensure the safety of the whole island, including the bases?
Keir Starmer (54:39):
Can I assure him I spoke to the president of Cyprus yesterday, and I'm hoping to speak to him again later today? Can I repeat what I said earlier, because it's important for reasons that he and the House will understand? The bases in Cyprus are not being used and not going to be used by the US. It's very important. Why not? Because they're not suitable, but it's very important that that is made clear because the president and I have been discussing that as he will understand.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (55:13):
John Whittingdale.
John Whittingdale (55:14):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Saturday, Prime Minister Carney said, "Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from threatening international peace and security." Why was our Prime Minister not able to make the same statement? Was Prime Minister Carney wrong?
Keir Starmer (55:39):
Look, I'm not trying to pick divisions between our allies on this. I was presented with a different scenario, which is whether we should accede to two requests in relation to action to be taken. That is different and that requires careful consideration of both the lawful basis and the viable plan. That is the base on which I took the two decisions that fell to me, different decisions fall to other prime ministers.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (56:07):
Tony Vaughan.
Tony Vaughan (56:10):
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Prime Minister for his careful response to this issue and his ongoing commitment to the International Rule of Law. My constituents parents, Craig and Lindsay Foreman are currently serving an appalling and unjustified 10-year sentence of imprisonment in Evin Prison in Tehran. Other governments have given detailed instructions to their nationals as to what to do if Evin's prison gate were to open and order breaks down. So, first of all, will the Prime Minister confirm that a plan covering that situation will be communicated to them to ensure their safety? And secondly, has the government impressed upon the US and Israel the importance of not targeting Evin Prison as Israel did last year, given that the lives of two British citizens are at stake?
Keir Starmer (56:54):
Can I thank him for raising this case and assure him that we have been and will continue to take all necessary action to safeguard their interests in relation to this case.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (57:06):
Dr. Roz Savage.
Dr. Roz Savage (57:09):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. RAF Fairford is in my constituency of the South Cotswolds. The government has now authorized the US Air Force to use RAF Fairford for defensive operations. Residents have been contacting me today, understandably concerned for their safety, especially given the recent events at RAF Akrotiri. Given that the Prime Minister has pledged to prioritize the safety of UK citizens, what assurance can he offer specifically to the people of Fairford that their safety and security will be fully protected now that UK airbases may be used in operations targeting Iran?
Keir Starmer (57:51):
Can I thank her for raising that and assure her and her constituents that all necessary measures are being taken to keep her constituents safe in relation to the use of the base in her constituency. That is a first order priority for us, and that's what we're doing.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (58:08):
Melanie Ward.
Melanie Ward (58:09):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister is right to be clear that UK military action has to be in line with international law and that we were not involved in Israel and the US's offensive action. He is also right to act to protect British lives and British interests in the face of Iranian attacks. Let me ask the Prime Minister, in rightly drawing lessons from Iraq, does he agree that a failed state in Iran is not in the interests of the UK and not in the interests of the wider Middle East?
Keir Starmer (58:39):
I mean, we do have to learn the lessons and collapsing and failed states have historically proved to be worse, so we do have to be careful.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (58:46):
Sir Julian Lewis.
Sir Julian Lewis (58:50):
If a missile battery in Iran was continuing to target British bases, would an airstrike against it be offensive or defensive?
Keir Starmer (59:08):
Mr. Speaker, I think I've made clear the basis of this. The second decision, we have authorized the US to use our bases in order to take out the ability of Iran to make those strikes. That is legal because it's a collective self-defense.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (59:24):
Sojan Joseph.
Sojan Joseph (59:27):
Mr. Speaker, Iran's reckless attacks have fueled further regional instability, putting British peoples at risk, along with our allies across the region. The attacks have naturally caused concern about what they mean for our own national security due to the rising oil prices, the cost of living. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that the UK continued to act decisively in our own national interest, including how these conflicts can impact every household in our country?
Keir Starmer (00:00):
Keir Starmer (01:00:00):
Can I thank him for that question? We're very concerned about the wider impact, and that's why it's important that we continue to argue for deescalation and a return, ultimately, to negotiation.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:00:14):
Dr. Ellie Chowns?
Polly Billington (01:00:15):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My party and I stand with all the brave Iranians who condemn the vile regime in Iran.
MPs (01:00:24):
Hear, hear.
Polly Billington (01:00:24):
We also condemn the deeply irresponsible and illegal attack by the US and Israel on Iran, launched in the middle of nuclear negotiations led by Trump, a clearly unstable loose cannon, and Netanyahu, a war criminal. The UK must stand unequivocally against this reckless action. So, will the prime minister publish the legal advice he received on the initial American and Israeli strikes, not just the more recent advice on the defensive posture, and will he commit to a vote in this House on any UK involvement in this war?
Keir Starmer (01:01:10):
We are not at war, and we are not getting involved in offensive action that the US and Israel are taking. We've published a summary of the legal advice in relation to decision that we took last night, that is in accordance with practice. It is not practice to publish legal advice or summaries in relation to defensive action.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:01:33):
Liam Byrne?
Liam Byrne (01:01:35):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the diffidence that we've heard towards international law this afternoon is as unwise as perhaps it is unsurprising. But just for the sake of clarity for the House this afternoon, can the prime minister confirm what would have needed to be true for it to be legal for him to have joined the offensive strikes last week? Because surely that would have required an imminent threat to our national security, which was simply not present when the decision to strike was taken.
Keir Starmer (01:02:07):
Well, Mr. Speaker, I resist setting out the full international law test, but it is clear what the test is, I think that's not disputed. And, far as I know, nobody's challenging the attorney general's advice that was the summary of which has been published for all to see. I don't think anybody's saying that's the wrong advice. I will look at the shadow attorney general's advice. I will be surprised if he advises that it would have been unequivocally lawful to have joined the initial action. But if the leader of the opposition will give me that advice, I will carefully consider it.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:02:50):
Sir Iain Duncan Smith?
Sir Iain Duncan Smith (01:02:52):
Speaker, may I take the prime minister back to his earlier position where I think his own side does not quite realize what he has said? The prime minister said his reason originally for not allowing Fairford, for example, or even Diego Garcia to be used, was that would constitute for him a breach of international law because it would be us condoning an offensive operation. However, he's changed his position on this because of attacks on allies and on a UK base. And that means now that he is authorizing the Americans to act in defense by taking out those kind of missiles that would attack us. Surely that now means that the UK armed forces, in this case, the Royal Air Force, could now be used by the government in no breach of international law in a defensive action to take out those missiles as well?
MPs (01:03:45):
Hear, hear.
Keir Starmer (01:03:47):
There are two separate considerations, obviously. The first is the decision whether to join the US and Israel in the first place, and the second was decision we took last night. We started taking defensive action on Saturday by deploying our pilots to the skies in the region. So, we'd already taken that action. We added to that defensive action last night by permitting the US to use our bases to strike at the capability of Iran to issue the strikes in the first place.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:04:18):
David Taylor?
David Taylor (01:04:20):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been heartening to see the scenes of jubilations from Iranians, from Syrians, and from British Iranians in this country at the death of the evil Ayatollah. They hope it will enable them ultimately to finally gain their freedom from this horrific regime. As the situation evolves, could I ask the prime minister to please keep them in his mind's eye, and engage and meet with some of the Iranian activists that reside in the UK? And in addition, can I ask that if it does look as if the regime is going to fall, officials can think about the ways in which we can support the Iranian people to rebuild their institutions, their infrastructure, provide aid, just as we are currently doing in Syria?
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:05:08):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:05:08):
Can I thank him? We must be absolutely clear that the future of Iran is for the Iranian people, who've been brutally repressed for a very, very long time, including the terrible actions that were taken in January of this year.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:05:19):
Richard Foord?
Richard Foord (01:05:19):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In his statement, the prime minister explained his disagreement with the US president about UK participation in the initial strikes, and I commend that decision. When the UK refused to participate in US interventions in Vietnam and Grenada, Harold Wilson and Margaret Thatcher kept their disagreements private, but that's difficult to do with Trump. But crucially, over Vietnam and Grenada, the UK stayed out. Can the prime minister assure the House that in the case of Iran, the UK isn't going to get dragged into this war on the basis of collective self-defense in support of allies in the Gulf?
MPs (01:05:55):
Hear, hear.
Keir Starmer (01:05:58):
Well, I hope I've set out my position clearly and the reasons behind my decision. That is the basis upon which we made the decision last night; we'll keep it under review. And if it changes, I'll come back to the House.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:06:10):
Yasmin Qureshi?
Yasmin Qureshi (01:06:17):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've heard this language before, military intervention dressed up as necessity or out of humanitarian concern. Libya, Iraq, and the list goes on. All of those led to devastatic consequences on people who lived there, hundreds and thousands dead, infrastructures destroyed, countries and regions destabilized, and a creation of a refugee crisis. And I hope that all of those who are chomping for this war will welcome the extra refugees that will be coming onto our shores, in light of these particular consequences. Article 51 of the UN does not allow for regime change, and I'm so grateful for our prime minister for not going and joining in this illegal war by US and Israel. So, can I ask the prime minister please to continue with this direction, so we don't get involved in another illegal war in the Middle East?
Keir Starmer (01:07:17):
I can assure her and the House I'll apply the same principles of whether there's a lawful basis and a viable case to the decisions that we take.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:07:25):
Sir Alec Shelbrooke?
Sir Alec Shelbrooke (01:07:26):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome the prime minister's comments about working with religious communities, trying to ensure safety, but I was appalled, but I'm afraid, not shocked, I'm sure the prime minister was as well, to see, once again, the deputy leader of the Green Party at the weekend-
MPs (01:07:44):
Quite right.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke (01:07:44):
... protesting in support-
MPs (01:07:45):
Hear, hear.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke (01:07:46):
... of the Ayatollah. And I'm afraid that the Green Party has become a magnet for all of the people that he quite rightly kicked out of the Labour Party. And the hatred and the fear that runs through Leeds now, being whipped up at times by Councillor Mothin, is a disgrace, and West Yorkshire Police begs Leeds City Council at times to have a named person to hire spaces which Leeds City Council run, and they wouldn't do that. And the reason the police wanted that because they can hold somebody responsibly. My Jewish community, Prime Minister, are terrified at going into Leeds at the weekend. So, may I ask the prime minister, will he ensure that he works closely with all policing authorities to ensure that my Jewish community and other communities-
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (01:08:33):
Prime Minister?
Sir Alec Shelbrooke (01:08:33):
... can be safe?
MPs (01:08:33):
Hear, hear.
Keir Starmer (01:08:35):
Well, can I thank him for his question, and I think we're all shocked by the actions of the deputy leader of the Green Party. Perhaps not surprised, given their recent turn of direction. And it is important that all of us set our face against antisemitism. And I have to say the argument that the Green Party makes that now is the time to get out of NATO and negotiate with Putin over owning nuclear weapons is contrary to the British national interests.
MPs (01:09:06):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:09:06):
Chi Onwurah?
Chi Onwurah (01:09:06):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. There are direct flights from Newcastle to Dubai, and many Geordies in the region, including in the armed forces. So, I want to thank the prime minister for the steps he is taking to support and protect them, and particularly to acting within international law. Iran is a murderous, despotic state, which has frequently threatened, and does threaten, UK security. But the sight of bombs reigning down across the Gulf will not make my constituents feel more secure, especially when the impact on democracy and human rights in the region, and indeed the Iranian regime itself, is, to put it mildly, unclear. So, what steps is the prime minister taking to help bring this conflict to an end and restore some semblance of security in the region?
Caroline Nokes (01:09:57):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:09:58):
Can I thank her for raising the concerns of her constituents? And I do understand just how worried they will be, as will all of our constituents who are in the area. That is why it's important that we take measures in the region, as we are doing, to try and take the missiles out of the air, and that is the reason we've given permission to the US to use the bases for the limited and specific purposes that I've set out.
Caroline Nokes (01:10:21):
Jeremy Corbyn?
Jeremy Corbyn (01:10:22):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Last Friday, the talks in Geneva were apparently making good progress, and there was a hope there was going to be some kind of agreement between the United States and Iran. 12 hours later, President Trump ordered attacks on Iran, the first victims of which were a group of school children attending school in the morning. They, in no way, can be held responsible for anything in Iran, human rights abuses or anything else.
MPs (01:10:49):
Hear, hear.
Jeremy Corbyn (01:10:50):
In his statement, it's unclear to me under what circumstances US forces will be allowed to use RAF bases. Can they use bases in this country to attack Iran? Can they use RAF Akrotiri for that? And are we, this country, sharing information with the US to further their war aims against Iran? Or could we not instead adopt a stance of trying to bring about an immediate ceasefire in order to prevent further dreadful loss of life across every country in the whole region-
MPs (01:11:23):
Hear, hear.
Jeremy Corbyn (01:11:24):
... and the danger of this escalating into a semi-global conflict?
MPs (01:11:28):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:11:28):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:11:29):
The uses of the bases for collective self-defense of our allies and to protect British nationals, something I'm sure he would agree with, and specifically to take out the ability of Iran to launch the strikes that are currently going into allied countries and putting our nationals at risk; can I be clear that we are not using Cyprus for this purpose?
Caroline Nokes (01:11:53):
Alex Baker?
Alex Baker (01:11:54):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the prime minister for his statement and for his leadership. My thoughts are with serving personnel in the region and also, can I mention our armed forces' families in Cyprus, some of whom are my constituents? Clear communications from the Ministry of Defence will be crucial in reassuring these families, feeling worried and uncertain at this time. In light of the growing threat, can I ask the prime minister about the UK's commitment under NATO Article 3 to be prepared? Does he agree with me that we need a total government approach to preparedness, with every minister in every government department clear on their role in meeting our obligations to ensure the UK can face the pressures of this increasingly unstable world?
MPs (01:12:42):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:12:42):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:12:43):
Well, can I thank her for all she does? Because I know she has a lot of military families in her constituency, and she is right to be concerned for them, and I'm sure they will be feeling concerned themselves. We will ensure that we're liaising very closely with them, wherever they are in the region, to ensure that we do all we can to protect them, and of course thank them for what they're doing. On the wider point she makes, it is important that the whole of government is committed to defense and security of the United Kingdom.
Caroline Nokes (01:13:13):
Dr. Andrew Murrison?
Dr. Andrew Murrison (01:13:14):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The prime minister happily says that he has learned the lessons of Iraq, a misadventure that his party is responsible for. Would he agree with me that the lesson of Iraq is you do not use lethal force unless there's good evidence that you should do so and, in particular, that there is a threat to the interest of this country, which there was not? And would he compare and contrast that with the situation that applies to what has happened over the weekend, when our friends and allies took preemptive action against a feral state that had enriched uranium to 60%-
MPs (01:13:57):
Hear, hear.
Dr. Andrew Murrison (01:13:57):
... that posed a clear and present danger to ourselves, our interests, and our allies?
MPs (01:14:02):
Hear, hear!
Caroline Nokes (01:14:02):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:14:04):
Well, I thank him for his question, and it is important that we all learn the lessons of Iraq and they are there needs to be a lawful basis for action if it's taken and there needs to be a viable case.
Caroline Nokes (01:14:17):
John Grady?
John Grady (01:14:20):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I refer the House to the Register of Interests, and the fact that I'm chair of the Qatar APPG. I thank the prime minister for his emphasis on compliance with the law. May I ask the prime minister, what discussions has the government held with the government of Qatar and other regional allies about cooperation to ensure the safety, security, and support to British nationals? And what joint measures have been agreed to assist British nationals in the region?
Caroline Nokes (01:14:45):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:14:46):
Can I assure them that I've spoken to all of the leaders across the region in person, on the telephone, in the course of this weekend too, and the Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary, and others have been liaising very, very closely to ensure we can take the best, swiftest, and most effective action to protect our nationals?
Caroline Nokes (01:15:05):
Mike Martin?
Mike Martin (01:15:06):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Clearly the Iranian regime is abhorrent, and no one would mourn its passing, but as someone who fought in Afghanistan, I'd like to thank the prime minister for saying that we need a viable, thought-through plan. Clearly the US doesn't have this plan. President Trump, over the weekend, said that they were planning on handing Iran over to some people, but then they killed them by mistake. So, one of my concerns is the 440 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium in Iran. If the regime is wiped out, the country falls into chaos, what is the plan for the Iranian uranium?
Caroline Nokes (01:15:44):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:15:45):
I thank him for his question, and he points out the reasons why I've proceeded on the basis there must be a lawful case for what is done and a viable plan. I think the immediate vision import for us is to ensure that we do what we can to protect our citizens and deescalate the situation so that we can get to a negotiated outcome.
Caroline Nokes (01:16:10):
Debbie Abrahams?
Debbie Abrahams (01:16:11):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I thank the prime minister for his statement, and his reassurance as well about the principles for involving the United Kingdom in any military action. It is so important that we're clear that the rule of law on this side of the House must stand by as well as having a viable plan. Has my right honorable friend been able to have any discussions with the Arab states, and also Turkey, in terms of how we might build that plan for deescalation as quickly as possible?
Caroline Nokes (01:16:46):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:16:47):
Can I thank her for her question, and assure her that we've been having discussions all weekend with counterparts in the region to that end, which is how do we rise to the challenge that is currently before us, what action can we take to protect our nationals and our allies across the region, and how do we deescalate?
Caroline Nokes (01:17:04):
Lincoln Jopp?
Lincoln Jopp (01:17:07):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I thank the prime minister for his statement? And I agreed with parts of it. I agreed when he said that it's an abhorrent regime, I agreed when he said that British civilians, British service personnel, and British sovereign bases have been attacked. And I also agreed with him when he said that, "You can't shoot all the drones out of the air; you have to attack them at source." But his statement, very cleverly, then implied two things. His statement implied that we didn't have, in international law, every justification for offensive action against Iran, and he also implied that only the Americans had the capability to do these offensive operations. So, would he like to just, very clearly, bearing in mind the world's listening, state very clearly that he understands that he would be justified, on the basis that we've been attacked, in launching offensive operations against our attackers, and secondly, that we have the capability to do so?
MPs (01:18:04):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:18:05):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:18:06):
I clearly set out the two decisions that I made over the course of the weekend, including the decision on Saturday to start taking defensive action with our pilots in the region, and the decision last night to permit the US to use our bases for collective self-defense, in order to take out the ability of Iran to launch the strikes in the first place.
Caroline Nokes (01:18:31):
Andrew Lewin?
John Whittingdale (01:18:32):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I put on record my admiration for our skill and the bravery of our armed forces?
MPs (01:18:38):
Hear, hear.
John Whittingdale (01:18:39):
We owe them a debt of gratitude now more than ever as they see action. The prime minister was absolutely right to say we must learn the lessons from Iraq and all the other conflicts where there has not been a viable end plan. Given that, can he reassure me that the decision to allow the United States to launch operations from our bases will be kept under constant review, so that the UK's presence in this conflict remains a defensive one?
Caroline Nokes (01:19:05):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:19:07):
Can I give him that assurance? It will be kept under review and I'll update the House accordingly.
Caroline Nokes (01:19:12):
Aphra Brandreth?
Aphra Brandreth (01:19:14):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It's no surprise that drones have become a central element of Iran's response. The Shahed drones they deploy are relatively inexpensive, easy to mass-produce, and capable of causing significant damage. However, the interceptors we use to bring them down are substantially more expensive. Given the rate at which Iran is deploying these drones against UK assets and our partners, and the scale at which they can be manufactured, this cost imbalance is a growing concern. What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking to develop effective but more cost-efficient countermeasures to address these challenges, and will he now look again at bringing forward the timescale for increasing our defense spending?
MPs (01:19:56):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:19:57):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:19:58):
She raises an important point, and obviously we're working at pace in order to deal with the drones, and also working with our Ukrainian colleagues, who've been facing this for four years, and we've been working with them on that, and that's why we are working with them to protect or help to protect allies who are under attack in the region.
Caroline Nokes (01:20:17):
Naz Shah?
Naz Shah (01:20:21):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Overnight, my constituents have lost the benefit, only promised to them last week, of savings on energy prices with the attacks on refineries across Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Oil prices have surged and soared, and gas prices to Europe have surged by 52% upwards just in the last few hours. The longer this carries on, it risks escalation across the Middle East, and closer to home, this impacts on the day-to-day lives of the British people through increased energy costs. Can I ask the prime minister, firstly, what assessment has the government made on the risk of energy prices to a British household, and what efforts he's making to make sure we can deescalate sooner rather than later?
MPs (01:21:03):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:21:03):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:21:08):
She's right to highlight the impact on the day-to-day lives of our constituents, and we're carefully monitoring that, as she would expect, and we're doing all that we can with our allies to deescalate the situation.
Caroline Nokes (01:21:21):
Ian Roome?
Ian Roome (01:21:25):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As a veteran myself, I agree with the prime minister that the safety of our armed forces and British citizens should come first with any decision made in the future. Given a rapidly evolving situation with the... Will the Ministry of Defence now expedite the promised defense investment plan so our industry can get on and make the capabilities that this country needs?
MPs (01:21:55):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:21:55):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:21:56):
Yes, we're getting on with that as quickly as we can.
Caroline Nokes (01:22:01):
Barry Gardiner?
Barry Gardiner (01:22:03):
We should all welcome the end of the Iranian regime, if it is the end of the regime. Those of us who were in this House for the decision on Iraq needed no convincing then that Saddam's was an evil regime, we needed convincing that the attack was permissible in international law and that there was clarity about the exit strategy. It had neither. The US attack on Iran has neither.
MPs (01:22:32):
Hear, hear.
Barry Gardiner (01:22:33):
But the prime minister's broadcast justification of the use of our bases spoke of enabling a defensive strike. Words have meaning. A defensive strike is a contradiction in terms. The usual phrase is a preemptive strike, and in any language, a preemptive strike is an attack.
Caroline Nokes (01:22:56):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:22:59):
Well, the use of the bases is to allow the US to use its ability to take out the ability to Iran to launch the attacks in the first place. I think that's relatively clear.
Caroline Nokes (01:23:14):
David Mundell?
David Mundell (01:23:15):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Houthis in Yemen have declared their support for Iran, but so far have taken no preemptive action. Given that the UK has previously been willing to take action against the Houthis, if they do become involved, would we be willing to do so again?
Caroline Nokes (01:23:35):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:23:36):
Well, I won't get into hypotheticals, but I will reassure him that both when the last government was in and we were in opposition, we supported that action, as was the case when we were in government and they were in opposition, so he can see what the consistent practice is there.
Caroline Nokes (01:23:51):
Richard Baker?
Richard Baker (01:23:52):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The brutality of the Iranian regime is unquestionable, but does the prime minister agree, with many of our constituents still in the region, many people will be deeply concerned at the indication from the United States today that it will increase its airstrikes on Iran? Can he assure us he will redouble his efforts to take forward the strategy he has rightly set out today of deescalation, an action of which is in accordance with international law?
MPs (01:24:17):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:24:17):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:24:18):
Well, can I acknowledge the concern of his constituents, as many of our constituents will be concerned? That is why it's our duty to take measures to protect them first and foremost, and to deescalate the situation.
Caroline Nokes (01:24:30):
Andrew Rosindell?
Andrew Rosindell (01:24:31):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The prime minister, I hope, agrees that current events show how vital military infrastructure is in the Middle Eastern region of the world. Yet at the very moment when Diego Garcia is relied upon as a critical asset, the prime minister proposes to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius, and lease the air base back for our use. So, does he not realize what a catastrophic policy this is, and will he abandon this misguided plan and ensure that those islands remain under British sovereignty?
MPs (01:25:16):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:25:16):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:25:17):
The deal secures the islands so that they can be used for the important purposes that they are used for. It's vital that we got the deal, otherwise we'd not be able to carry out the operations in the same way.
Caroline Nokes (01:25:30):
Rushanara Ali?
Rushanara Ali (01:25:30):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. This conflict has already cost lives, with civilians caught in the crossfire and hundreds of thousands of UK nationals stranded in the region. If it continues for the weeks ahead, it is only going to make it more difficult to evacuate our nationals, it will cause a humanitarian catastrophe, and damage to the world economy. Can the prime minister say more about what he will do in the coming days to work with our EU allies and allies in the Middle East to try and bring an end to this conflict and return to diplomatic negotiations to secure peace and security and the protection of civilian lives?
Caroline Nokes (01:26:08):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:26:10):
Can I reassure that we're talking to our allies in the region, and to our allies in Europe, and France and Germany in particular, over the course of the weekend to be clear about the principles we're applying, and to ensure that we're doing everything we can to deescalate the situation?
Caroline Nokes (01:26:28):
Jerome Mayhew?
Jerome Mayhew (01:26:29):
Seeking some clarity from the prime minister. Given his initial refusal of permission for the use of bases by the US, is it the view of His Majesty's government that the initial strikes by Israel and the United States were illegal?
Caroline Nokes (01:26:44):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:26:45):
Mr. Speaker, the question I was asked and I was answering was what would be the lawful basis for anything the United Kingdom would do? That is the question I considered over the weekend, and that's what guided me in the two decisions I had to make about the United Kingdom.
Caroline Nokes (01:27:05):
James Naish?
James Naish (01:27:06):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Prime Minister, I had 40 constituents with me this morning, and they were very concerned about the creation of a regional vacuum, specifically in places like Lebanon and Yemen. I wondered if the prime minister could confirm what steps the UK is taking to prepare targeted stabilization of humanitarian efforts in countries that are most exposed, should the Iranian regime change?
Caroline Nokes (01:27:28):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:27:29):
Well, I thank him for that, and it's very important that we take those measures in the countries that are most exposed, and we're talking to our allies about how we can do that.
Caroline Nokes (01:27:38):
Tim Farron?
Tim Farron (01:27:39):
Madam Deputy Speaker, I had the opportunity to visit the West Bank in Israel a couple of weeks ago, where these actions were being anticipated, and largely with some dread. The great sense I got from talking to both groups of people was this sense of deep national trauma, and in no small part caused by the action of Iranian- backed terrorists. But what does the prime minister know about the ultimate intentions of either the Israeli or American governments here? What is their exit strategy? What are their objectives? There can be no probability of a regime change that comes from all this. So, how does this make the lives of the Iranian people any better, and the lives of the wider Middle East any more secure?
Caroline Nokes (01:28:23):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:28:25):
Can I thank him for raising the West Bank, which is a cause of great concern, only intensified by the actions of recent days? And I'm not surprised that it's caused deep concern in the West Bank. And tell him that as far as the UK is concerned, I've clearly set out what our strategy is and the basis for the actions that we are taking.
Caroline Nokes (01:28:42):
Bill Esterson.
Bill Esterson (01:28:42):
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Energy Security Select Committee has heard multiple sets of evidence about the risk of our dependence on fossil fuels because of the volatility of prices. The way the oil and gas prices have gone up has been a salutary reminder of exactly that evidence. And remember, gas sets the price for our electricity most of the time as well. So, isn't it the case that the energy transition is not a matter of ideology-
MPs (01:29:19):
Hear, hear.
Bill Esterson (01:29:19):
... it is a matter of both national security importance and economic importance?
MPs (01:29:26):
Hear, hear.
Caroline Nokes (01:29:27):
Prime Minister?
Keir Starmer (01:29:27):
Can I thank him for his question? And among the reasons for pushing ahead with renewables is because it gives us energy security and independence, which is hugely important at a time like this.
Caroline Nokes (01:29:43):
Can I please urge members to make their questions significantly shorter? There are still a huge number seeking to catch my eye. I know we're going to have an exemplary performance from Mark Pritchard with a very short question, please.
MPs (01:29:57):
Yeah.
Mark Pritchard (01:29:58):
Well, when British children are being being
Speaker 5 (01:30:00):
... bombed in Dubai, and when the British military are being attacked in Cyprus Qatar in Bahrain. Can I ask the Prime Minister why it is that it seems like, and I hope you'll forgive me, he's frozen with indecision, entangled in his own legalese, and fretting about his own back benches, looking to the left in his own party as much as looking to the Middle East. He will know at that dispatch box that I've supported him time and time again on foreign policy decisions. But I have to say to him today, it is not his finest hour, that he's looking very weak, and that is not in our national interest.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I have been absolutely focused only on British nationalsthis weekend. That has been the total focus of my attention, and it's adisservice to him to suggest otherwise really.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Absala Begem (phonetic).
Absala Begem:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. A constituent who fledIran fought through tears as she told me how she worked. She wanted an end tothe regime in Iran that had targeted her and her loved ones and also said thatshe wanted absolutely no illegal military intervention from external forces.
Does the Prime Minister understand that by enabling theuse of military bases in the government's allies, in this case the U.S., andIsrael's illegal actions, that it is dragging our country into a wider conflictof which it does not have the power over the outcome and that risks making allof us more, but less safe?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
No, our decisions were made to protect British citizensand British nationals, and I stand by that decision.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Edward Morello.
Edward Morello:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. The Iranian regime is amurderous regime. It is an exporter of terrorism. It is a threat to regionaland national security. Its removal is good for British security. It is good forthe Iranian people. What comes next is even more important than what hashappened. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said he wants a viablethought-through plan.
Does he think that President Trump has a viablethought-through plan for what comes next?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, Madam Deputy Speaker, we're obviously discussing allmatters with the U.S. all at the time. I'm absolutely clear what our plan isand what the basis for our decisions are, and I've set them out to the House.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Luke Meyer.
Luke Meyer:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. Our primary duty at thistime must be the safety of British nationals in the region. People like myconstituents, the Foreman family, who are currently trapped abroad and notknowing when they will be able to come home. Their father's medication isrunning out today and they have no idea whether they will be able to obtainthose drugs.
So what assurance will the Prime Minister provide thatconsular support will be put in for families like my constituents to make surethey can get the medication that they need and ideally come home as soon aspossible?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I assure we're taking every step we can to ensure theyhave the support that they need, including steps over the course of thisweekend?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Greg Stafford.
Greg Stafford:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I associate myselfwith the comments from the Prime Minister about our service personnel inBahrain and in our criteria, which I had the pleasure of visiting in thesummer? It's difficult to know where to start with the confusion and cognitivedissonance that is shown in the Prime Minister's statement, not least of whichwhere he is against attacking Iran because it has nuclear weapons, but iswilling to attack it because it has conventional weapons.
Now on the conventional weapons point, we have beenBritish sovereign territory in Akrotiri has been attacked, yet the PrimeMinister is unwilling to use British personnel, the RAF, to strike on Iran.What would it take for Iran or any other state actor to do to this country forhim to act?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We're using British personnel to defend Cyprus at the verymoment.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Josh Benjamin Glenn.
Josh Benjamin Glenn:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. No one should shed a tearfor the Iranian leadership. They are a brutal and oppressive regime, but thereare other brutal and oppressive regimes in the world, and that in and of itselfis never a reason to attack a country.
Can the Prime Minister please assure me that anyinvolvement of British troops or assets in this conference will be purelydefensive?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Madam Deputy Speaker, I've set out the principles on whichI will act. I thank him for his question. Any action will have to have a lawfulbasis and a viable case.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
30 seconds. David Chadwick.
David Chadwick:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As long as the Iranianregime exists, it will continue to pose a direct threat to our security and tostability across the region. Yet Kabanaugh (phonetic) office figures show thatnon-ODA integrated security fund spending for the Middle East is set to fool bya third in the coming years.
Can the Prime Minister explain why funding to counterIranian threats is being reduced at precisely the moment that those threatsremain so acute?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We're taking a number of measures to deal with Iranianthreats as he would expect.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Kim Johnson.
Kim Johnson:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Prime Minister claimsthat lessons have been learned from Iraq. I really hope that is true. Netanyahuand Trump instigated an illegal act of aggression, putting thousands ofpeoples' lives at risk, including U.K. nationals and the military.
Does the Prime Minister agree with me that diplomacy anddeescalation is needed, and for not bringing Britain into a reckless andcatastrophic war? Can you provide some details about this viablethought-through plan in terms of repatriating our nationals?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can assure her I'll continue to apply the principles I'veset out and work to deescalate across the region?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Craig Smith.
Craig Smith:
Thank you, Madam Court Speaker. The Iranian regime ignoredthe JCPOA, which completely failed. The Iranian regime's terror activities havereached these shores. While we meet here this afternoon, the Iranian regime'srockets reign down on our allies across the Middle East, including Hezbollah'srockets into Israel.
Can the Prime Minister set out clearly what evidenceunderpins his view that this Iranian regime is in any way, shape, or forminterested in coming to the negotiating table?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
My point is simply that in the end, and ultimately, therewill have to be a negotiated outcome when it comes to nuclear weapons. At whatpoint that happens is obviously unclear, particularly after the last few days,but that is why it's been the consistent policy of both our parties for yearsthat this should be a negotiated outcome. It was his party's policy untilFriday of last week.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Ruper (phonetic) Huck.
Ruper Huck:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Door knocking in[inaudible 01:36:59] yesterday, a student whose parents fled Iran in 1979, toldme how overjoyed they are to get rid of this despotic tyrannical regime. Yetthe methods at girls' school was hit, 150 kids, after we appear to havenormalized the bombing of schools, hospitals, refugee camps, universities byone of the two instigators of this action in Gaza, surely risk undermining therules-based order.
What does the PMC as the end game of this war, and howwill he stop Operation Fury turning into Operation Futility?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, I clearly set out the basis for the decisions thatI've taken, and my view that we should all do all we can to deescalate thesituation.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Shakat (phonetic) Adam.
Shakat Adam:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'd like to thank thePrime Minister for his measured statement and restraint. However, with Israel'sand U.S.A.'s illegal action over the weekend taking out admittedly a veryrepressive and brutal regime leader, has left the region and the world inturmoil. This is creating real fear, Prime Minister, especially for ourchildren.
In fact, my 14-year old asked me over the weekend,"Dad, are we all going to be okay?" As a father himself, can I askwhat assurance he can give to my son, to all the children in this country andin the Middle East, that he will do everything in his power to prevent theoutbreak of potentially World War III, which Donald Trump and Netanyahu aredriving us towards?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
The protection and security of British nationals is myforemost duty, and I take it very seriously. That's why I took the decisionsthat I did over the weekend and will continue to do so.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Andrew Pinks.
Andrew Pinks:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Like many people in myconstituency, I said prayers over the weekend, watching the events unfold. It'sclear the region's in a perilous state and we need a deescalation to follow therule of law and get peace back on the table.
Can I ask Prime Minister about a related question in theregion? He will know that many in this House were passionate about ensuring aceasefire in Gaza and ensuring aid and humanity got in. We know over theweekend that there has been a closure in the West Bank and Gaza. Can I ask thePrime Minister what reassurance he can give us that whilst we look towardsIran, we don't lose sight of the humanitarian need we have in Gaza and the WestBank?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank him for raising this? The ceasefire in Gaza iswelcome, but fragile. Not enough aid was getting in even under thecircumstances before this weekend. We were working with others to ensure thatwe can alleviate the situation as quickly as possible.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Sara Boldon (phonetic).
Sara Boldon:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. Even if our militarypersonnel are not doing offensive strikes, the additional air fleecing that theRAF are being committed to across the Middle East means that they're now heldto double the work with no extra resources.
Can I ask the Prime Minister, what additional resourcesare they giving to the REF now to protect our service personnel in this[inaudible 01:39:54]?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
This is the government that's increased defense spending.I can assure her that our service personnel are working very hard as we speakto keep us safe and to protect the region, and we thank them for doing that.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Clive Berford (phonetic).
Clive Berford:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I commend my righthonorable friend for his resolute stand? It can't have been easy to stand up tothe president and not get dragged into this war that has no apparent end plan.We made that mistake in 2003 and the result was disastrous. The President ofthe United States has made it clear that he wants to see regime change.
Can [inaudible 01:40:36] defense say, has he seen anyevidence of any plan to achieve that coming in the negotiations that we've hadwith the United States?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I can assure him we're talking to the U.S. at all levelsand there's real clarity about the action that we've taken and the basis forthe action we've taken, and the reason for the action.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Lisovel (phonetic) Roberts.
Lisovel Roberts:
No one here is an apologist for the cruel Iranian regime,but the escalation initiated by the U.S. administration and the Israeligovernment is illegal. I'm certain that the Prime Minister knows this. Thereare hundreds of thousands of U.K. citizens directly affected and at risk. Theyinclude people from Duivo Marionet. While there must be questions anon about avote in this House when we fear that these defensive actions will slide intooffensive ones and we do not know how we will track that process.
Nonetheless, the question for today that people want us toask is when will people be coming home, especially from Doha and Dubai?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank you for her question? I know that herconstituents and all of our constituents will be very concerned, particularlysince there's 300,000 in the region. That is why we're working with our alliesto make sure that the answer to that question is that we'll get them home asquickly and as safely as we can. Obviously, working with our regionals on thisas we speak.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
David Bertensampson (phonetic).
David Bertensampson:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I thank the PM forhis measured response so far? I've spoken to former constituents and friendswho are in the UAE and who are British expats.
While they feel confident that the local government thereare doing all they can to protect them, for clarity, will they too beconsidered for evacuation by the FCDO should it become necessary?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, we're working with all of our allies to make surethat we can ensure that all those who need our help, get our help safely andswiftly removed from a region that is dangerous for them.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
David Reed.
David Reed:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I think we can all agreethat international law has an important role to play, but the world is changingand we must adapt to protect our national security.
Now, given that international law is broad in nature andopen to interpretation, and we've heard that from the differing views of boththe Attorney General and the Shadow Attorney General. For public accountabilityand the seriousness of this situation, can the Prime Minister tell us how manyand which international lawyers he consulted before he made his decisions overrecent days?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I'm not going to disclose the full advice, but it's notjust as an important role. It's vital if we're taking action that involves ourpersonnel. It's vital. That's why I took advice. I've published the summary ofthat advice. I said I'll look at the Shadow Attorney General's advice. If he'ssetting out a lawful basis, I'd be very interested to read it.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Laura Kirksmith (phonetic).
Laura Kirksmith:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. I thank the PrimeMinister for his statement and for his clarity on our adherence tointernational law. History shows us that military interventions from Somalia toAfghanistan, Iraq, and Libya do not always lead to peaceful politicaltransitions and often have wider regional and global repercussions.
Can the Prime Minister reassure me that his focus will beon encouraging a peaceful transition for the people of Iran and deescalatingthe situation regionally and globally?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I give that reassurance and also underscore her pointthat the future of Iran must be for the people of Iran who've been brutallyrepressed for a very long time now?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Jess Brown Fuller.
Jess Brown Fuller:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. We must not conflate theappalling actions of Iran with that of the Iranian people who have spent yearsfighting at great risk for change and intensively over the last couple ofmonths.
The severe case of repression under the Ayatollah has ledmany of them to actually welcome the actions of Trump and Netanyahu, but how isthis government going to ensure that Iranian voices are heard when decisionsare being made about their future once military action finally subsides?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank her for her question? It's very important thatwe're clear on the principle that the future of Iran must be for the Iranianpeople who have been brutally repressed and particularly in recent months, butnot only in recent months. We must consistently make that case, and we aredoing so.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Richard Bergen.
Richard Bergen:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is an extremelydangerous moment. Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya show where this can end up, withdeath, destruction, terror, and chaos impacting tens of millions of people.Given that, shouldn't the government's focus beyond pushing Trump, Israel, andIran towards diplomacy, deescalation, and a ceasefire?
And instead, by siding with Trump, hasn't the PrimeMinister risked dragging us into a wider conflict, which leads us all lesssafe, and which could include mission creep, which will erode the distinctionthe Prime Minister is attempting to make between offensive and defensiveactions, leading us embroiled fully in an illegal U.S. war in the Middle East?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Madam Deputy Speaker, my focus has been on the protectionof British nationals in the region. There are 300,000 of them. They are atrisk, and it is our duty to take steps to ensure that we reduce that risk andbring them to safety and security.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Simon Hall.
Simon Hall:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. A militarily degradedIran will be welcomed by both the region and the world, but an Iran that stillpossesses enriched uranium and potentially becoming a failed state is somethingto be avoided at all costs. The Prime Minister will recognize that.
Whilst it's uncertain what President Trump's plan is,there will be clearly, at some point, negotiations, talks towards peace and thecessation of action. Will he impress upon the American administration that nowis the opportunity to link progress for ordinary Iranians, their democraticrights, their freedoms, and their civil liberties as part of that, and not justview it as a military degradation exercise?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank him for his question and agree with the way heputs it? It is very important that we deal and acknowledge the brutalrepression of Iranian people for so many years.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Jim Dixon.
Jim Dixon:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I express my supportfor the government's handling of the events this weekend, particularly theclarity given by the Prime Minister today that international law is paramountand also the priority given to the safety of U.K. citizens?
Does he agree with me, however, that this will only endwhen Iran, and the U.S. and allies get around the table, talk about nucleardeescalation, and Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions? Will the Prime Ministerperhaps tell us what conversations he'd had with allies in order to ensure thatthat happens?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, we are having conversations with allies aboutdeescalating the situation and how we get back to negotiation, which in theend, at whatever stage it is going to have to be part of the process.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Samuel Wilson.
Samuel Wilson:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. We should welcome theactions of America and Israel in trying to destroy a regime which the PrimeMinister has described has exported terror all over the world, but why do weneed response from the government that we're limiting our bases to defensiveactions? Maybe he would clarify what does he mean by defensive actions?
For example, attacks on the drone factories which are usedto deliver the bombs, is that defensive? Attacks on the leaders who areplanning the war against our allies in the Middle East, is that defensive?Attacks on nuclear facilities, would that be regarded defensive? Or attacks onthe infrastructure which is used to mobilize these weapons, would that bedefensive? What are the limits of this defensive action?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I be absolutely clear with him that the action whichwe've authorized from our bases is to take action, to take out the capabilityof Iran to launch these attacks. That of course means taking out theircapability, the launches, and the infrastructure that sits behind it. Ofcourse, it does.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Amanda Martin.
Ben Spencer:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and thank the PrimeMinister for his calm and measured approach and reassurance today. As a memberof parliament purports of North and the mum of a serving personnel currentlydeployed overseas, my first thought is always for the men and women, we areasked to stand in harm's way.
The Iranian regime recklessly attacks are not abstract.They're direct threats to British service personnel and British citizens in theregion. Will the Prime Minister firstly confirm that every measure is beingtaken to protect constituents on the ground? And secondly, when we pursuedeescalation democracy, will he reassure the House that operational decisionsare grounded firmly in one over own principle, the safety of our Britishservice?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank her? I know a number of our constituents aredeployed abroad, and we are doing everything we can to protect them and tothank them for the work that they're doing in the region.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Ben Spencer.
Ben Spencer:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. I've heard a lot oflegal analysis from the Prime Minister, but nothing on what he thinks ismorally right.
Isn't the biggest risk to international law when leadershide behind legal advice to avoid taking responsibility for their decisions?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
To ask our service people to act when we don't have alawful basis will be a dereliction of moral purpose, in my view.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Rebecca Longwaley (phonetic).
Rebecca Longwaley:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. There is no doubt thatthe Iranian regime is abominable, but it's clear that the initial joint strikeson Iran were neither defensive nor lawful. And now as the situation dangerouslyescalates, hundreds of innocent civilians are now dead across the Middle Eastand U.K. personnel and citizens are at risk.
I know the Prime Minister has outlined that his aim is anegotiated settlement. Can he outline the tangible action he and hisinternational counterparts are taking now to secure a ceasefire so thatnegotiations can resume?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank her for her question and reassure her that theactions were taken are to protect British nationals, and we're working withothers to deescalate in relation to the situation?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Dr. Al Pinkerton.
Dr. Al Pinkerton:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Since coming to thechamber today, a senior Iranian commander has said that they would seek to bombCypress to force out U.S. aircraft from our sovereign bases. As a guarantor ofCyprus's security and as a sovereign presence on the island of Cyprus, can Iask the Prime Minister what concrete military devices do we have and measuresdo we have in place in Cyprus to ensure that no further successful droneattacks can happen on the airfield? But also, what assurances can he offer toCyprus as a whole that no attacks will take place in Cyprus as a result of ourpresence there?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, can I be absolutely clear again, because it reallymatters, that we are not using Cyprus for U.S. bases. That is our base. I won'tgo into operational details, but as he would expect, we are taking all thenecessary measures to ensure that Cyprus and the base are safe. I spoke to thepresident yesterday. I hope to speak to him again later this afternoon.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Frank McNally (phonetic).
Frank McNally:
Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I thank thePrime Minister for his statement. Given the comments from the Iranian foreignminister yesterday that the IRGC is adopting a decentralized mosaic defense tofragment, command, and control structures, and create even more unpredictableflashpoints, can my very honorable friend update the House and what steps hehas taken with allies, including partners in the region, to mitigate suchdevelopments, which tend to escalate and prolong this conflict?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Yes, I can. We've put in extensive sanctions already andwe keep the situation under constant review.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Ben Opsy-Jackty (phonetic).
Ben Opsy-Jackty:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. I'd just like to comeback to the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri and the alarming ease with which theIranian regime was able to penetrate our defenses and strike the airfieldthere. Very much suggested there is very little in the way of county UAScapability there, and also suggests that there's nothing in the way of twocounty UAS wing there in terms of squadrons to deter that.
Can the Prime Minister confirm what type of drone it wasthat struck the airfield? Can you also confirm what the origin of that dronewas? Did it fly from Iran, fly all the way across Israeli airspace to strikeCyprus, or did it come from Hezbollah in Lebanon? And if so, given that we'vebeen attacking Desh targets by Operation Shader this year, will he strike backat Hezbollah if it proves that the drone came from there?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I just reassure him and through him, everybody inCyprus, there are protective measures in place and his description is notright, and it's not helpful to those living in Cyprus to cast it in thoseterms? It really isn't. As he would expect, there are extensive measures inplace, both U.S. measures and U.K. measures, in relation to the defense ofCyprus and the airbase there. It's very important I make that absolutely clear.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Belle Robierotti (phonetic).
Belle Robierotti:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I welcome the ForeignOffice's preparation for a potential evacuation of Britains currently in theMiddle East and the Prime Minister's commitment to their safety. There will bea number of British residents who may have gone for work or leisure, and I'venot heard them mentioned specifically today. They live their whole lives hereand have their families here, like many of the 12,000 non-U.K. citizens fromthe commonwealth who currently serve in our armed forces.
Given the quite negative rhetoric surrounding those withindefinite leave to remain at the moment, people are concerned. Will the PrimeMinister confirm that all U.K. residents, not just citizens, will be includedin any evacuation because they are our people too?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank her for that reminder? I did mention it in myopening statement, which is quite right, that we must be clear that we willprotect all of those who need our protection. Obviously where people need toget out, we're working with all of them to get them out as quickly and assafely as possible.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Hella (phonetic) McGuire.
Hella McGuire:
Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. After the fall of theregime in Iraq, there was no long-term plan, and civil society collapsed. In2004, I was an [inaudible 01:55:19] in Iraq retraining the Iraqi PoliceService. One day I asked my lance corporal, "How do we know if therecruits are former Ba'athist regime supporters or not?" He said, "Wedon't. We've no idea who we're training."
The U.S. attacks around with no clear strategy, and nowthis government has agreed that U.K. bases can be used for defensive attacks.I'm seriously concerned about the potential for mission creep when there's noclear understanding of Trump's military objectives. In deciding to allow theU.S. to use U.K. bases for defensive actions, U.K. military and civilian liveshave been put at risk. Military operations with no clear objectives tend tofail.
Can the Prime Minister explain how such a decision wasmade which could lead to mission creep when we have no understanding of Trump'slong-term military aim or post-conflict plan?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank you for your question? The decision was takento allow the bases to be used to protect our nationals. It is worth consideringthe alternative, which is to recognize the risk to our nationals, have theopportunity to do something about it, and take the decision not to. That willbe a dereliction of duty in my view.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Can I respectfully suggest to colleagues, by the time theyget onto page two of their question, it is too long.
Mark Stewart.
Mark Stewart:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Iranian regime killsits own people. It funds terrorist proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah. It backsPutin's aggressive war in Ukraine, and now it puts British civilians and ourarmed forces in the firing line. By some accounts, it is already a failedstate. I absolutely back the Prime Minister's decision to allow U.K. militarybases to be used by the U.S. for defensive strikes, given the attacks on ourbases in the Gulf and Cyprus.
But does he agree, given the threat Iran poses on ourstreets here, the absolute minimum we should do is prescribe the IRGC alongwith any other organizations that threaten British civilians?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, can I assure him we keep that under review and wehave already put in place a considerable number of sanctions?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Dr. Neil Shastrihast (phonetic).
Dr. Neil Shastrihast:
Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. The PrimeMinister set out in a statement with some clarity the threats posed by Iran.Taking that into account, does he not recognize that treating international lawas a rigid instrument as opposed to a flexible one as he appears to do so risksbinding our hands when it comes to national security?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I've made the point a number of times. It's importantthere's a clear legal basis. I'm not actually sure what the position or partythe officer is. Are they saying they would've joined the original strikesirrespective of whether it was lawful or not? I haven't heard a clear answer tothat. It'd be very helpful to have one.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Graham Downey.
Graham Downey:
Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. Iranian actionin the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the attacks on energy infrastructure, isdriving up energy prices or risks, driving up energy prices here in the U.K. aswell. Will the Prime Minister make sure that in the coming days and weeks, hemakes clear where the blame for any rising energy prices lies, and that is withIran? Will he make sure he's holding any discussions possible to support peoplein this country, including in my constituency, with any rising bills that areaffected?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Yes. Can I give him that assurance? It will be of concernfor his constituents and so many of our constituents, and we'll take everymeasures to protect them.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Sasha Eastwood.
Sasha Eastwood:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. People in NorthernIreland are entitled to be British, Irish, or both. As such, many have traveledto the Middle East on an Irish passport. We know the FCDO have asked peoplehelpfully to register. However, those Northern Irish citizens that have anIrish passport that are also U.K. nationals cannot register.
Will the Prime Minister assure me that he will work tomake sure that my constituents in Lagan Valley and across Northern Ireland willnot be left behind?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank her for raising that? I'll get to the bottomof it and make sure that the concern she's raised is properly, fully, andswiftly addressed.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Steven Sander.
Steven Sander:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the PrimeMinister for raising the specter of Iraq. We remember on this side in thisHouse how a bloody invasion can lead to brutal civil wars. We know theoff-shots of now will last years and not days, and we're also seeing, ofcourse, energy prices spike, oil up by 10%, gas up by 50%.
Can the Prime Minister assure me that he will act torestore peace in the region as well as make life and keep life affordable forour citizens?
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Yes, I can give him that assurance. It's very important heraised it. I thank him for doing so.
Madame Deputy Speaker:
Dr. Luke Evans.
Dr. Luke Evans:
The Prime Minister has been explicit on two decisions, oneto say no bases were used, now some bases can be used. Could he set outspecifically how this interacts with the Diego Garcia Bill and
Dr. Luke Evans:
The exchange of notes from 1966 between the UK and the US.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
I'm going to stop.
Keir Starmer:
It doesn't. It's the simple use of bases operationallywhich has been agreed as of last night.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Chris Vince.
Chris Vince:
Deputy Speaker. And can I join the prime minister inpaying tribute to our brave service and personnel who every day work incrediblyhard to keep us safe and also his particular leadership on this matter? I havea number of constituents from my constituency of Harlow who are currentlytrapped in Bahrain and Dubai, one of which is pregnant.
What advice can the prime minister give to them who areworried about their safety?
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank him for raising the case of his constituents?I'm sure they're very anxious about the situation. Assure them and him thatwe're working at pace with our allies to get a safe and swift route for them tocome out of the region, which is what they all want.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Vicki
Vikki Slade:
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I want to go back to theoriginal attacks. Last year, Trump told us that he was attacking Iran todestroy any possibility of him getting a weapon. And he told us afterwards thathe had obliterated the threat for years to come. Given that that was thejustification for the attacks last week, and now Israel have said that it'dbeen planned for months, it seems questionable, the urgency of the attack.
What can the prime minister tell us about determining thefacts around the justification for this and the presence of nuclear materialsso the basis of any future action is clear?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I thank her for her question. I took two decisions overthe weekend. The second was to allow the bases to be used because of theactions of Iran and the need to protect our citizens, our nationals.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Martin Vickers.
Martin Vickers:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The father of the houseis no longer in his place, but can I put on record my support for the words ofcaution that he expressed earlier? And can I turn the prime minister'sattention to oil supplies? It's not just the risks to shipping, but also, Iunderstand from contacts in the industry, that some refineries in the regionare shutting down. Clearly, that could have a serious impact on business inthis country.
Could the prime minister assure us that contingencyarrangements are in hand to maximize oil supplies?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I thank him for raising that issue and assure him thatwe are taking measures with our allies to safeguard the supply and do all thatwe can to ensure that we have the energy we need where we need it?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Suella Braverman.
Suella Braverman:
Whilst the Ayatollah has been toppled, the IRGC remainsintact, and the IRGC is, indeed, the head of the snake as the sponsor of globalterrorism. Now, despite many urgings, the previous concern of government failedto prescribe the IRGC. His government has made the promise to do so. Nothinghas happened yet. If not now, then when?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, as she will know from her time in office, this iskept under review, but we have put extensive sanctions in, as the previousgovernment did.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Alberto Costa.
Alberto Costa:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Putting aside for amoment the rights and wrongs of the prime minister's decision on Saturdaymorning, can I ask the prime minister whether or not the BBC, which is in aunique position running BBC Persian language broadcasting in Tehran, and givenPresident Trump's wishes for the Iranian people themselves to take control, canthe prime minister put on record if he will work with the BBC over the comingdays to ensure that there's more government funding wherever necessary tobroadcast what is required to the Iranian people?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, it's very important that the BBC reports andbroadcast in the way that it does, and we support them in doing that.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Josh Babarinde.
Josh Babarinde:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. 23- year-old Eastbournelad, Cameron, is currently lying stranded in a Dubai hospital bed after fallingvery ill during a minute's-long stopover in Dubai over the weekend. During thiswindow, the airspace closed. Cameron's hospital bills are 1,000 pounds a day,which he's being forced to pay upfront despite having insurance. Cameron, who'swatching, urgently needs to know, one, when the prime minister will outline hisrepatriation plan, if there will be one. Two, when the prime minister, will heprioritize British nationals who are clinically vulnerable for repatriation ifit is medically safe? And third and finally, will the appropriate minister meetwith me and with Cameron's family to ensure that he gets the treatment that heneeds before money runs out and to make sure that we can get Cameron back toEastbourne safe?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Cameron and his family and loved ones must be extremelyworried. If he would pass me the full details of that particular case, I'llmake sure that we do whatever we can to assist Cameron and his family.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Graham Stuart.
Graham Stuart:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The prime minister hasmade it clear that he thinks that there was insufficient imminent threat tojustify our going with our allies in the initial strike. But after the act ofwar, after the attack on UK citizens across the Middle East, many countries ofwhom were not participating, and on British sovereign territory, that meansthat we can join in, and we could be involved in offensive actions if the primeminister so chose.
Why is he choosing not to? And why is he pretending it'sfor a legal reason when that legal reason has disappeared?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We started taking action on Saturday morning with ourpilots in the sky across the region, and they've been working ever since. Weadded to that yesterday afternoon by exceeding, at the request of theAmericans, to use our bases for the attacks on the capability of the Iran tolaunch the strikes in the first place.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
[inaudible 02:05:58].
Speaker 6:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I thank the PrimeMinister for accepting that the reason the British Army is not involved is becauseit would be unlawful and illegal? Thereby, what America has done is illegal. Anillegal attack which led to the death of 167 girls aged between seven and 11.And there are people that are sat in this audience here today, Prime Minister,that oppose refugees coming into this country. The very people that are askingfor war.
Would the prime minister be surprised if we had a suddeninflux of refugees because of what's happening?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
The actions I've taken have focused on our need to protectour British nationals. I think it's in all of our interests, including ourBritish nationals, that we do all we can to deescalate the situation as quicklyas possible.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Martin Wrigley.
Martin Wrigley:
Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I welcome theremoval of the apparent Iranian regime, having seen the beginning of it 47years ago when my father was serving officer in the British Embassy, and weknew the Americans taken hostage. May I add my thanks to our current servingpersonnel who are putting their lives at risk?
Given that we have, since the preemptive strike now, a sadbut inevitable increasing escalation of hostilities, what can the primeminister do to persuade Donald Trump to go to negotiation, which is where wehave to be, given that he believes in win-or-lose situations only?
Keir Starmer:
Well, we're working with all of our allies and havingdiscussions at every level with the US and others about how we resolve thissituation and deescalate. And ultimately, it will have to be a question ofnegotiation.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Jim Allister.
Jim Allister:
I do not underestimate for one moment the gravity of anygovernment deciding to face its brave servicemen and women in harm's way. Butin circumstances where our bases and our citizens are being targeted by theterror machine that is Iran, why are we still, as United Kingdom government,equivocating over whether we are actively on the side of those determined toliquidate the threat? Why the equivocation?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We're not. Pilots have been in the sky since Saturdaymorning, hours after the attack, risking their lives. I'm grateful for them fordoing so. They went straight up there, and they've been up there ever since. Noequivocation. They went up straight away, and it was the right thing to do.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Claire Young.
Claire Young:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. This conflict hasgrounded travelers at Doha, including a constituent who has three youngchildren waiting at home. Following this conversation with Qatari leaders, canthe prime minister explain how evacuations will be prioritized and what supporton the ground is being provided to those who are simply expecting to passthrough?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Can I reassure her we're working with Qataris and othersto ensure that we are able to get everybody to safety and security as quicklyas possible? And they're evolving plans, as she will appreciate. It's adifficult situation, but I can assure her we're doing everything we can to getpeople out safely. They're our first priority.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Adnan Hussain.
Adnan Hussain:
As the prime minister admits, after the illegal preemptivestrikes and the killing of Iran's leader, Iran has become more aggressive andmore unpredictable in the region. I ask, how can we possibly assure thatfurther strikes, further attacks, further aggression will somehow calm thesituation? Britain must not, it must not, contribute to another conflict whoselegality is in serious doubt.
Will the prime minister now commit to upholdinginternational law unequivocally and to publishing the government's legal adviceand to pressing instead for an immediate ceasefire and for a return todiplomacy rather than risking and allowing the United Kingdom to be drawn intoanother unlawful war?
Keir Starmer:
It's my duty to protect British nationals. We have 300,000in the region, and you've heard the anxiety from various members about theirconstituents who are trapped in that situation, only too aware of the dangerthat they're facing. It's my duty to ensure that the risk to them is reduced.That's why we took the action we did over the weekend.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Chris Coghlan.
Chris Coghlan:
Madam Deputy Speaker, British Lance Corporal Brodie Gillonwas killed by an Iranian ballistic missile in Iraq in 2020. When I arrived as asoldier three months later, our base came under attack from Iranian proxymilitias eight times. The Iranian regime has gunned down tens of thousands ofprotestors in recent weeks. Morality is complex. I entirely support the primeminister on his view of the need for a negotiated settlement, given, sadly, therisks of regime change.
But does the Prime Minister agree with me that anynegotiated settlement needs to include protections against reprisals forprotestors?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Very much so. And can I thank him for his service? It isreally important that we approach this with clear principles about what we'retrying to achieve and learning the lessons of history in terms of what happensafter conflicts like this.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
James McMurdock.
James McMurdock:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I put on record,while I may not agree with all the conclusions the prime minister has drawn, Iam very grateful for the reverence and caution he shows to and the respect ofthe human life that he's been trying to demonstrate. The limited time he's hadover the weekend to fully demonstrate and make decisions on how best to act hasrevealed that he was not involved in all of the pre-planning. S
May I ask him, why is then the UK no longer at thedecision-making table?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
Well, we talked to our allies all of the time, as he knowsand would expect. And we talked to them extensively over the weekend inresponse to the situation as it developed.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Paul Kohler.
Paul Kohler:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I applaud the primeminister's judgment in this matter. I'm in contact with British nationalstrapped in the hotel in Qatar. They texted me a few minutes ago to say therehas been a lack of messaging from our government to those of us who are seeingmissiles passing overhead and more than 30 explosions just today. They'redesperate for news on evacuation plans, but the consulate auto-reply iscurrently advising them on how best to enjoy Ramadan. Can the prime minister pleaseensure our consulates redouble their efforts to give information andreassurance to our nationals across the region?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We're doing everything we can as quickly as we can, andI'll pick up the issue that he's raised specifically. And can he pleasereassure his constituents that, having raised it with me, I'll do whatever Ican to respond very quickly?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Zarah Sultana.
Zarah Sultana:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. US congressional staffwere told on Sunday that Iran was not planning to strike American forces orbases unless Israel attacked Iran first. In other words, there was nointelligence indicating an imminent threat, yet we have already seen preemptivestrikes attacking a girls' school, killing over 100 children. This has beencondemned by UNESCO as a great violation of humanitarian law, yet the primeminister didn't bother to mention it. Continuing such actions is unlawful. Allowingthem to take place from UK bases is unlawful.
I ask the prime minister, is the genocide of thePalestinian people not enough for this Labour government? Is he proud to beanother Labour prime minister obediently following Washington into yet anotherillegal war in the Middle East, making us all less safe? And finally, how muchdoes he enjoy being Donald Trump's poodle?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
I've set out the decisions I made over the weekend and thereasons for them. My first duty is to protect British nationals. It's the mostimportant duty that I have, and I'll continue to discharge it.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Jim Shannon.
Jim Shannon:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. First of all, could Ithank the prime minister for his statement? Ayatollah Khamenei and his regimehave denied religious minorities freedom of religious belief for years asChristians, of Sunnis, the Shiites, the Bahais. They killed 30,000 people inJanuary 2026 who were protesting. Girls are abused and victimized regularly.Today, the Ayatollah is deservedly dead, and he burns in hell. And for onenight, I've put a shovel of coals on his head and hope his domination will be along one.
Prime minister, the IRGC and the Basij paramilitary gripshave their guns. The protestors have none. What discussions has the primeminister had with the USA and Israel to destroy the murderous IRGC?
And what discussion has the minister had with Madam Rajaviand the national government renewing government next said and their 10-pointplan for a solution for a transparent way forward?
Keir Starmer:
Well, there are many discussions going on, as he willappreciate. And I do understand his level of concern, in particular, inrelation to religious freedom. We are working with colleagues on those issues,and I'll update the House accordingly.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Danny Kruger.
Danny Kruger:
Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I don't knowwhat's more humiliating for the United Kingdom. The moral weakness of agovernment that can't distinguish between right and wrong and can't even take asovereign decision without consulting international lawyers or the materialweakness of a country that has just decommissioned its last brigade in theGulf. And as the prime minister has said in his statement, does not have thecapability to defend our own citizens in the region.
Given this position of neutrality and impotence, will theprime minister clarify what exactly he means by defensive versus offensiveaction? The whole operation is offensive according to the terms that the prime ministerhas set out. Or does he expect that the British will have some sort ofoperational veto and individual flights that the Americans take off from ourbases?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer:
We're taking action in the sky through our pilots. We'veauthorized the US to use our bases in order to attack Iranians' ability tostrike, but I'm not going to take lectures on morality from a party that stooda candidate who said that you can't be English unless you're white.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Can I thank the Prime Minister for his statement? Point oforder. Ellie Chowns.
Polly Billington:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The honorable member forWeatherby and Easingwold incorrectly attacked the reputation of Mothin Ali,deputy leader of the Green Party, by saying that he'd protested in support ofthe Ayatollah. He certainly did not. Mothin Ali attended a CND stop-the-war,anti-war protest in support of his principles of being anti-war andpro-democracy and diplomacy.
What advice can you give me about correcting the recordregarding this serious false accusation?
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Can I thank the honorable member for giving notice of herpoint of order? I assume she also informed the honorable member for Weatherbyand Easingwold that she was going to refer to him. As she will know, membersthemselves are responsible for the accuracy of their words in the chamber. Ifcorrection is needed, I'm sure one will be forthcoming. For now, she has placedher own view on the record.
Which brings us to presentation of Bill Rebecca Smith.Autonomous Maritime Vessels Regulation Bill.
Second reading what day?
Speaker 7:
Friday, the 17th of April.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Friday, the 17th of April.
The clerk will now proceed to read the orders of the day.Representation of the People Bill, second reading.
Now, the reasoned amendment in the name of the officialopposition has been selected. Minister to move second reading. Call theSecretary of State, Steve Reed.
Steve Reed:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I beg to move that thebill be now read a second time.
Now, there's a lot of interest across the House in thisbill, and that is no surprise because we are all proud of our Britishdemocracy. Our democracy is a fundamental part of who we are as a country. Thelong history of this house has been punctuated by reforms which havestrengthened it, and it is precisely because of that evolution of our electionsand parliament that, in a world where too many beacons of democracy havedimmed, ours still shines brightly.
As parliamentarians, we are more than caretakers ofdemocracy. We are here to actively advance it. We are also here to protect itfrom threats. When hostile actors at home and abroad seek to sow division,using every means possible to undermine our elections, trying to destabilizethe very foundations of our freedom and our democratic institutions, then wemust act. That is why we are debating the representation of the People Billtoday. To secure our elections against those who threaten them. To protect thosewho participate. To ensure our democracy remains open and accessible tolegitimate voters. And to strengthen and preserve our democracy for the nextgeneration.
At the 2024 general election, Labour's election manifestocommitted to strengthening our democracy and upholding the integrity ofelections. We campaigned on encouraging participation in our democracy, giving16 and 17 year olds the right to vote and improving voter registration whilefulfilling our pledge to strengthen protections against foreign interference,as well as rules around donations. We did that.
Rachel Taylor:
[inaudible 02:20:11] give way.
Steve Reed:
I will give way.
Dame Emily Thornberry:
Rachel Taylor.
Rachel Taylor:
I thank my right honorable friend for giving way. I'vecome straight here from Kingsbury School in my constituency of NorthWarwickshire and Bedworth where the year 11 ...