Kemi Badenoch has criticised President Donald Trump as 'childish' after he publicly attacked Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain’s refusal to provide offensive military support in the conflict involving Iran. Trump described the United Kingdom’s stance as 'terrible' and claimed that Starmer had offered to send two aircraft carriers to the region, a claim denied by Downing Street. Only one British carrier is currently operational and is scheduled for deployment elsewhere.

Starmer has insisted that Britain will not be drawn into a wider war following strikes by the United States and Israel, a position echoed by France and Germany. Badenoch, despite being a frequent critic of the Prime Minister, said a public dispute between the White House and Downing Street was unhelpful, particularly as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited London to discuss Ukraine.

Tensions have added strain to the transatlantic relationship, with Trump expressing frustration that European allies have not committed naval forces to reopen a key shipping route affected by the conflict. Meanwhile, a senior Labour lawmaker suggested it may be 'safer to delay' the King’s planned state visit to the United States, warning that proceeding during wartime could prove embarrassing. Buckingham Palace indicated that such visits are undertaken on government advice, as public debate grows over whether the trip should go ahead.