PM Warns Against False Comfort Over Iran Conflict Duration
Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned his team against the "false comfort" of expecting a swift resolution to the conflict involving Iran. Speaking to the parliamentary Liaison Committee, composed of senior MPs, the prime minister emphasized the government's need to prepare for a prolonged situation despite hopes for a rapid de-escalation.
"We mustn't fall into the false comfort that there will be a quick and early end"
He reiterated that while a "swift de-escalation" is desired, planning must consider the possibility that the conflict could continue for some time. Sir Keir also stressed that the Iran conflict is "not our war" and any UK involvement must have a "lawful basis."
The prime minister's remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump indicated that talks between the US and Iran were "very strong" and that there was "a very serious chance of a deal" to end hostilities. Following Trump's comments, oil prices, which had been affected by the conflict, declined. However, Iran's foreign ministry denied that negotiations were underway.
At the committee hearing, Sir Keir welcomed the talks and confirmed that the UK was aware of them.
"The immediate priority has to be a swift resolution of the conflict and delivering a negotiated agreement which puts tough conditions on Iran, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons,"he said.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that there was "no certainty" that talks would be immediately successful. He also announced he was convening an emergency Cobra meeting with senior ministers and the governor of the Bank of England to assess the economic impact of the conflict.
Economic and Energy Implications
Iran's response to Israeli-US missile strikes included effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, which contributed to rising oil and gas prices. Sir Keir indicated the government was examining support measures for June, when the current energy price cap expires, and September, when household energy consumption typically increases.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to make a statement in Parliament on Tuesday regarding the outcomes of the Cobra meeting.
Sir Keir acknowledged the high costs of previous energy support schemes and the current state of public finances, suggesting a preference for targeted assistance rather than broad measures.
"I am acutely aware of how much it cost last time round" and "acutely aware of the state of public finances,"he said, referencing the energy bill schemes introduced under the previous Conservative government following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Over the weekend, government cost-of-living adviser Richard Walker urged intervention through a temporary profit cap to prevent energy and fuel retailers from exploiting the crisis for profit.
Sir Keir confirmed the government was considering measures to address profiteering.
"I think we might look at what further teeth we can give the CMA [Competition and Markets Authority]. I think there isn't enough regulation in this area,"he stated.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch advocated for increased North Sea drilling, reduced carbon taxes, and the removal of the fuel duty hike. In contrast, Green Party leader in England and Wales Zack Polanski called for a tighter oil and gas windfall tax, equal taxation of income from wealth and work, and increased investment in renewables and energy efficiency to mitigate future shocks.
UK Involvement and Military Readiness
Regarding UK involvement in the conflict, Sir Keir emphasized the necessity of a lawful basis and a well-considered plan.
"That is why we didn't join the official strikes" but allowed the US to use UK bases to target Iranian missile infrastructure,he explained.
"This is not our war and we are not getting dragged into this war,"he added.
US President Trump has repeatedly criticized Sir Keir for initially not permitting the use of UK military bases for US attacks.
The committee hearing included tense exchanges about the UK's defensive readiness. MPs expressed concern over delays in deploying the HMS Dragon warship to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Labour MP and defence committee chair Tan Dhesi described the UK's response as "embarrassing." Questions were also raised about delays in publishing the defence investment plan.
Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin criticized the government for lacking a "war-fighting mentality" and accused it of complacency, stating the delay in the plan was "holding things up."
Sir Keir responded by attributing the situation to years of under-investment by the previous government, citing former Conservative Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace's comments about the armed forces being "hollowed out."
The prime minister confirmed the defence investment plan was on his desk and in the process of being finalized. Reports suggest the plan's delay is due to disagreements between the Treasury and No 10 over funding.
Sir Keir also addressed the UK's potential increased participation in the EU's €150bn (£130bn) defence loans scheme, the Security Action for Europe (Safe) partnership. He expressed disappointment over the UK's exclusion from the initial stage and indicated the topic would be discussed in upcoming Brussels talks.
Defence Secretary Updates and Military Actions
Simultaneously with the prime minister's committee appearance, Defence Secretary John Healey updated MPs on Middle East developments.
He confirmed that on Friday morning, two Iranian missiles were launched toward the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
"One fell short of its target, the other was brought down short of its target,"he reported, adding,
"Neither got close to Diego Garcia, the UK was not required to take action and normal operations continue."
Healey also announced that HMS Dragon had arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and had begun operational integration into Cyprus's defence alongside allied forces.
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