On Wednesday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch drew criticism for siding with Donald Trump. She called for the UK to launch offensive action against Iran, even though she acknowledged that nobody wants the conflict to escalate.
Badenoch said attacks on UK military bases in Cyprus and Bahrain justified following Trump’s example. She argued the RAF should carry out offensive strikes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected her call. He said the government must act with “a cool head” and avoid entering a war without a lawful basis or clear plan. He added: “What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable thought-through plan. That remains my position.”
Starmer listed the measures the government is already taking to protect UK citizens. These include supplying weapons and helicopters. Badenoch argued these steps were not enough. She also criticised the Chancellor for prioritising welfare spending over defence in the recent Spring Statement.
The government plans to spend 5.8% of GDP on welfare and 2.5% on defence. Badenoch called this “pathetic” and said ministers were failing to order enough missiles. Starmer reminded MPs that years of Conservative rule had cut defence budgets and recruitment targets.
Labour MPs and commentators condemned Badenoch’s approach. Justin Madders tweeted that the country should be grateful she is not Prime Minister. Commentator Gerry Hassan said her “attack dog” style lacked political judgement and seriousness during a time of war.
Starmer concluded that leadership shows in moments like these. “They can either step up… or expose their utter irrelevance. She has chosen the second,” he said.
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