British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to the use of military bases for selected US strikes against Iran
The new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, has approved the use of British military bases by the United States for targeted strikes against Iran, which the British side describes as defensive. In doing so, he has continued the policy of his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
According to sources speaking to Bloomberg who are familiar with the situation, on Friday Keir Starmer held a meeting attended by ministers and senior officials, during which the UK’s policy following the resumption of US operations in early July was discussed.
Following the meeting, it was decided to maintain the current arrangement, which allows US aircraft to use the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, which are carrying out missions aimed at countering the Iranian missile threat and striking targets used to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources claim that Andy Burnham, who took office as Prime Minister on Monday, was briefed on the outcome of this meeting and agreed with the proposed decision.
According to these sources, the new head of government intends to continue the previous cabinet’s policy of authorising the use of British military bases for so-called US defensive strikes. This means that British facilities may be used during some of the current US operations.
The decision was taken following ten days of renewed US military action. US Central Command reported that it had carried out strikes overnight against Iranian military command centres, launch sites and air defence systems.
According to sources, such decisions were politically difficult for Keir Starmer, who was simultaneously under pressure from British left-wing political forces opposed to the use of the bases, and from US President Donald Trump, who had called on London to provide more active support for the military campaign.
It is also noted that Donald Trump’s statements regarding the possibility of strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, in particular bridges and power stations, caused concern among British officials due to the potential legal consequences of such actions.
Andy Burnham’s decision is expected to draw criticism from the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, who oppose the use of British military bases, believing that this could make the UK an accomplice to war crimes.
Following his appointment as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham held a telephone conversation with Donald Trump. According to a statement from the UK Government’s press office, during the conversation he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Later, Donald Trump spoke positively about the conversation on Truth Social. According to him, the parties discussed oil production in the North Sea, trade, the military alliance, the clearance of mines in the Strait of Hormuz and other issues.
