The resumption of US strikes against Iran has thrust incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham into a potential day one decision on how much to support Britain’s closest ally in its controversial military campaign.
Even as Burnham was installed as leader of the governing Labour Party on Friday, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government was engaged in high-level talks about renewed US attacks on Iran, according to people familiar with the matter.
The prime minister-in-waiting was kept appraised of the strikes, which entered their seventh consecutive night, said the people who asked not to be named while discussing sensitive security issues.
The strikes represent an early test for the former Greater Manchester mayor, as US President Donald Trump threatens to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure in ways that could be seen as violating international law.
While Starmer refused to join in on the initial sorties in February, he has subsequently allowed British bases to be used for so-called defensive strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and countering its threat to the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has relied on British military facilities, such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as a launching-off point for such missions into the Middle East. Trump has nonetheless railed against Starmer, accusing Britain of failing to come to the US’ aid in a time of need.
The new wave of strikes by the US and the risk of an escalating conflict have led to renewed discussions in the British government in recent days, including on Friday, about whether to continue to approve the use of the bases. British officials are particularly concerned about Trump’s threats to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure.