By Chris Mason, Political editor
For nearly 48 hours, first the defence secretary and then the foreign secretary struggled to explain in public what the government thought of the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran and why.
Sir Keir Starmer was explicit about his disagreement with President Donald Trump — perhaps his largest and most consequential to date. In debates across the Commons the memory of the Iraq war was repeatedly invoked, including by the prime minister. A conflict that occurred more than a decade before Starmer became an MP and more than two decades before he became prime minister was central to the reasoning he set out now.
The prime minister has been clear that he places a high value on acting lawfully — an outlook unsurprising from a former senior lawyer. Most Labour MPs appear broadly comfortable with Starmer’s judgment, even as he draws criticism from both left and right. The Conservatives and Reform UK contend the UK should have been more forthright in backing allies the US and Israel. The Liberal Democrats, Greens and SNP are, to varying degrees, more critical of President Trump.
A YouGov poll suggests far more people in Britain oppose the US’s actions than support them, and more oppose allowing the US to use British airbases than support that decision.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her Spring Statement at lunchtime. It is intended to be deliberately low-key — “not a fiscal event” — so no tax or spending changes are expected. The statement will respond to Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts and is likely to stress stability, measures to cut the cost of living, reduce borrowing and debt, and foster conditions for economic growth.
There have been some recent signs of a brighter economic picture, but the international shock from President Trump’s actions means Reeves will need to add at least a few paragraphs addressing the unfolding economic and diplomatic consequences. These consequences are only just beginning to emerge.
