Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the United Kingdom will not 'outsource our foreign policy' amid criticism from United States President Donald Trump over the government’s handling of the conflict in Iran. She stressed that decisions must be based on the United Kingdom’s national interest, not automatic alignment with allies, and defended Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cautious approach to early military action.

The Prime Minister initially declined to allow United States forces to use British bases in the first wave of strikes, later permitting what he described as defensive operations. Trump criticised the delay and questioned Britain’s contribution, while former prime minister Tony Blair argued the United Kingdom should have backed the United States from the outset. Cooper rejected calls for unquestioning support, citing the need to learn lessons from the Iraq war.

The government has since allowed defensive strikes from Royal Air Force Fairford and Diego Garcia, and is increasing military preparedness, including readying an aircraft carrier and deploying additional air assets. However, opposition politicians have accused the government of failing to act quickly enough to protect British interests and bases in the region, particularly in Cyprus.

As political debate continues, the government is also arranging further charter flights to help British nationals leave the region, while maintaining that its approach will remain measured and focused on calm, steady decision-making.