Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set out his strongest disagreement yet with President Donald Trump, telling Members of Parliament that the government 'does not believe in regime change from the skies' following air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. He said the actions were not right and suggested they were not lawful, while maintaining that it was lawful for the United Kingdom to allow the United States to use British airbases to protect allies in the Gulf from potential Iranian attacks.

Speaking in the House of Commons for more than two hours, Starmer repeatedly referenced the Iraq war as a cautionary example and stressed the importance of acting within international law. While some Conservative figures argue that British involvement could be justified legally, the prime minister, a former senior lawyer, made clear that legality is central to his approach.

The issue has exposed political divisions, with Conservatives and Reform calling for stronger support of the United States and Israel, while other opposition parties have been more critical of President Trump. Public opinion polling suggests more people in Britain oppose both the American strikes and the use of British airbases than support them.

The diplomatic tensions come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her Spring Statement, expected to focus on economic stability and growth. The economic and diplomatic consequences of the recent military action are still unfolding and are likely to influence the government’s broader agenda.