UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting criticism over his government's decision to allow US forces to use British bases for strikes against Iran, following recent US and Israeli attacks and threats from US President Donald Trump. This policy decision has drawn condemnation from opposition leaders and a significant portion of the British public, with local elections approaching on May 7. Green Party leader Zack Polanski stated, "The UK government must grow a spine and stop our bases being used for this war."
US military aircraft, including B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer heavy bombers, have departed from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, preceding bombing missions over Iran. Fighter jets and B2 bombers have also operated from Lakenheath base in Suffolk, undergoing refueling and bomb loading, observed by local plane spotters. This activity underscores the UK's operational role in the ongoing conflict. One F-15 fighter, launched from Lakenheath, was reportedly shot down over Iranian territory, necessitating a costly rescue operation for its crew. This incident highlights the direct involvement of UK-based assets in combat. Protesters have gathered at Lakenheath, with more than a dozen arrested this week after blocking base gates. The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace reported observing over 116 US bombers departing the base since the conflict began a month ago. Public sentiment in Britain largely opposes the use of these facilities. Less than one-third of Britons support allowing the United States to launch attacks on Iran from British military bases, according to recent surveys. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Prime Minister Starmer to immediately block US bombers from using British or joint US-British airbases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford. He warned that failing to do so "risks making the United Kingdom an accomplice to war crimes." Prime Minister Starmer initially denied access to Diego Garcia at the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. He later reversed course following threats from US President Donald Trump, granting permission for what his government termed "defensive bombing raids" against Iranian missile sites. Starmer's supporters maintain his position was difficult as a key US ally, arguing he made the correct decision by only permitting "defensive" actions. They have also asserted, "this is not our war." The UK government's published legal advice on its involvement states: "The UK is acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support. The UK and its allies are permitted under international law to use or support force in such circumstances where acting in self-defence is the only feasible means to deal with an ongoing armed attack." This position stands in contrast to several major European NATO allies, including Spain, France, and Italy, all of whom have denied access to their bases for the US military actions against Iran. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Gulf states hosting US bases. However, she has not issued criticism for the initial attacks against Iran, which took place amidst advanced negotiations with Tehran. Prime Minister Starmer visited Abu Dhabi on Thursday, seeking a new diplomatic role among UK Gulf allies to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, London's attempts to mediate in the region have thus far yielded limited results, with a recent online summit notably lacking participation from major regional countries such as Turkey and and Saudi Arabia. The political ramifications of this foreign policy stance are set to manifest in the upcoming local and devolved assembly elections on May 7. Labour faces predictions of losing approximately 2,000 councillors. While the cost of living and other local issues remain significant for voters, the Middle East conflict and Starmer’s foreign policy are also expected to influence outcomes. Green Party leader Zack Polanski's party is now polling higher than Labour, a development considered improbable just a year ago. As the May 7 elections approach, the results will offer a clear indication of public sentiment regarding the government's approach to the conflict. Observers will watch whether Labour's electoral performance prompts a re-evaluation of its foreign policy direction. The actions of other parties, particularly the Greens and Liberal Democrats, will be scrutinized for their potential to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current strategy.
