Airstrikes in Iran and the Middle East

Following the launch of airstrikes from the US and Israel against Iran last week, many constituents are understandably concerned about what this will mean for the UK.  

Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that the UK would allow the US to use British airforce bases at RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia to conduct ‘defensive’ operations against Iran. However, as history has shown, this is a slippery slope.  

As it stands, the legal ground for these attacks is murky, which is why the Liberal Democrats are clear that Keir Starmer must set out the legal case in full and give MPs a vote on the matter before taking decisive action. The UK cannot be complicit in an illegal military operation.  

The Iranian people deserve to live free from a brutal regime, but more bloodshed will not achieve peace and security.   

The Liberal Democrats maintain that Iran can never have nuclear weapons. The threat the regime poses to Israel is too great. However, the only effective way to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions is to engage in multilateral and coordinated pressure, backed and sustained by international law. 

I know that Britons in the Middle East will be fearful for their safety. Along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I urge the Foreign Office to continue working to ensure that our citizens are protected, informed, and supported should they wish to leave.  

I will continue to watch as events unfold and respond to constituents who wish to share their concerns.