Keir Starmer faced intense criticism from MPs as UK defence concerns grew during a tense parliamentary session.
Lawmakers challenged the prime minister over Britain’s readiness for the escalating conflict involving Iran. Some MPs warned that the UK must act as if it is already at war. During a heated committee hearing, MPs questioned Starmer about military preparedness. They raised concerns about defence gaps and slow response times.
At the same time, public anxiety has increased sharply. New polling shows concern about defence has nearly doubled in recent weeks. According to the data, defence now ranks among the top issues for voters. Immigration and the economy still remain higher priorities.
In response, Starmer called for de-escalation in the Middle East. However, he admitted he could not predict how long the conflict would last. “It’s hard to answer that question,” he told MPs. “We must focus on reducing tensions, but we must also prepare for a longer crisis.”
Meanwhile, criticism came from both sides of Parliament. Bernard Jenkin accused the government of lacking a war-ready mindset. He argued that defence planning showed signs of complacency. He also urged ministers to act more decisively.
In addition, Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi raised concerns about limited military presence abroad. He highlighted the absence of naval assets during early stages of the crisis. Reports showed that no Royal Navy ships were immediately available in the region. As a result, the UK struggled to respond quickly.
Although HMS Dragon later deployed, preparations delayed its arrival by several days. In contrast, other countries moved assets faster. Starmer pushed back against the criticism. He blamed years of underinvestment in defence by previous governments.
Furthermore, he stressed that the UK is increasing defence spending. He said the government aims to reach 2.5 percent of GDP. Despite this, MPs continued to press for clarity. They asked when the Defence Investment Strategy would be published.
Starmer acknowledged ongoing discussions between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence. He said resolving the issue remains a priority. Meanwhile, the government has taken steps to strengthen regional security. Officials have deployed air defence systems and support teams across the Middle East.
They have also worked with allies to improve missile defence capabilities. These efforts aim to protect UK bases and partners in the region. However, UK defence concerns remain a key political issue. The debate is likely to continue as the conflict develops.
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