Speaking on Monday, Starmer reiterated that UK troops is not going to be deployed on the bottom in Iran.
“This is not our war and we’re not going to get drawn into it,” he mentioned whereas responding to a query from reporters.
The UK beforehand gave permission for the US to use British military bases for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites after Starmer denied a request for using UK bases for the preliminary US-Israeli strikes in opposition to Iran in February.
President Trump has been vital of the UK’s involvement within the conflict, in addition to that of different Nato allies.
On Tuesday, the president particularly referenced the UK as he mentioned nations that didn’t take part within the preliminary strikes on Iran ought to “get your own oil” from the Strait of Hormuz.
In a put up on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president mentioned: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.
“You’ll have to begin studying how to struggle for your self.”
Healey told reporters on Tuesday that allies were looking at a range of options to keep the key shipping lane open. He said it would require an international response – which included the US.
He also said that military planners have been deployed to US military headquarters, and that a British Navy ship will also be used to facilitate autonomous drones that could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz if and when that was necessary.
But he batted away the Trump administration’s irritation with the UK not getting involved in the war.
“We’re two nations whose militaries are sure carefully collectively, that work carefully collectively, whose intelligence providers share uniquely the popularity of the threats around the globe and the motion that free nations should take and take collectively.”
A Conservative Party spokesperson criticised Starmer’s response to the conflict as being “confused and chaotic”.
“He has spent the final fortnight telling us he will not get entangled on this conflict and now he is sending British troops to the Middle East,” an announcement mentioned.
“Only Kemi Badenoch has been clear that we want to act in Britain’s nationwide curiosity, whereas Starmer has solely considered what his backbenchers need and his personal political curiosity as a result of he has no spine.”
