Sir Keir Starmer said he would not join war in Iran without a “lawful basis” as he hit back at Donald Trump’s fresh criticism of him.
The US president on Tuesday said Sir Keir was “not Winston Churchill” in his latest rebuke of the PM, who did not allow American planes to launch their initial strikes against Tehran from British bases.
At Prime Minster’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir responded. He told MPs: “What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan. That remains my position.”
It comes as the UK government charters a repatriation flight from Oman to help British nationals seeking to escape the Middle East as the conflict in the region escalates.
The Foreign Office said the flight will depart the country’s capital, Muscat, at 7pm and is available for British nationals, their partners and children under 18 with a valid travel document.
Key Points
- Labour MP’s partner reportedly arrested on suspicion of spying for China
- Starmer insists ‘I won’t join Iran war without legal basis’
- PMQs: Kemi Badenoch tells Starmer we are at war with Iran ‘whether you like it or not’
- Analysis: Kemi Badenoch overshadowed by Tory legacy on defence in fiery PMQs
- British nationals, partners and children eligible for Oman flight
- Trump hits out at Starmer over Iran: ‘This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with’
Badenoch: 'The Government needs to stop being naive' over China
15:38 , Dan HaygarthKemi Badenoch said the Government must “treat China as the threat we all know it is”.
In a video posted on X, the Tory leader said: “China is targeting Britain, targeting our MPs. Enough.
“Keir Starmer chose to go to Beijing and boasted about opening a direct channel to President Xi without getting anything in return. That was a mistake.
“His Government has approved China’s mega-embassy in London. Worse than that, he’s making us even more reliant on Chinese goods for our energy security.
“The Government needs to stop being naive, grow a backbone and treat China as the threat we all know it is.”
I was stranded in the UAE – the rescue mission is a shambles
15:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA British mother has described her horror at being trapped with her young children in the UAE by the Iran-US conflict on their way back from a trip to India.
Hannah Connell returned to the UK from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday morning, along with her children and her husband. They were aboard a plane with dozens of empty seats, she says, that could have gone to other people desperate to leave the UAE.
Ms Connell, 43, lives in southwest London and owns an interiors and lifestyle shop, Split Figs, in the Surrey village of Shere.
Simon Calder reports:
I was stranded in the UAE – the rescue mission is a shambles
HMS Dragon not expected to set sail for Cyprus until next week
15:10 , Dan HaygarthPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
HMS Dragon - which is undergoing maintenance before being loaded with ammunition in Portsmouth - will not set sail for Cyprus until next week, Western officials confirmed.
The UK is preparing to send the warship to protect a British base in Cyprus which was struck by a drone earlier this week.
They would not specify where the drone which struck RAF Akrotiri had come from, but said assessments showed it was a Shahed type and had not been launched from Iran.
Meanwhile, Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are being deployed within days, before the warship, to bolster defence in the region, they said.
The destroyer’s voyage from Portsmouth to Cyprus is expected to take several days.
US bombers expected to arrive at British bases within days
15:05 , Daniel HaygarthPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
US bombers are expected to arrive at British bases - including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford - within days.
The two airbases were initially denied to the US for their strikes against the Iranian regime, sparking the ire of Donald Trump who said he was “not happy with the UK” over the extent of its support.
It came as Western officials confirmed that Cobra meetings are being held on a daily basis to respond to the crisis and warned that the Armed Forces are facing a “difficult tactical and operational problem” following Iran’s “reckless, haphazard and hugely escalatory” response.
BA announces more flights from Muscat to Heathrow
15:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBritish Airways announced it will operate two further flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow, departing on Friday and Saturday.
It said in a statement: "We remain unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.
"The UK Government advice has now been updated to note that 'commercial options are available to depart the region, and if your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing, if you judge you can access these options safely'.
"We have scheduled further flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow departing on March 6 and 7.
"Flights are for BA customers with an existing booking who are in Oman or the UAE.
"If you wish to travel on one of these flights, please contact us via our dedicated phone line on +44 203 467 3854."
British troops on high alert and ready for deployment in Cyprus, Western officials say
14:52 , Dan HaygarthPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
British troops are being held at very high readiness in the UK to respond to the escalating conflict in the Middle East if needed, Western officials have said, as they warned that the war “could go on for some time”.
In a briefing, officials also refused to rule out participating in future strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launch sites.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out at all because we just don’t know what will happen day to day, week to week as this progresses,” one official said.
While it is understood there are no immediate plans to increase the footprints in Cyprus with British ground troops, they are always held on high alert in the UK in order to respond to a crisis.
Burnham breaks silence on Gorton and Denton defeat
14:46 , Dan Haygarth
Andy Burnham has said the Gorton and Denton by-election “revealed the full depth of the chasm between people and Westminster politics”.
The Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester suggested during a Centre for Cities think tank event in central London that the by-election, won by the Greens, demonstrated that Westminster was not focused on the priorities of ordinary people.
At the start of the event, Mr Burnham said: “From my point of view, I’m definitely not here to talk about my career plans, other than to say I wrote a book as you might know, with the mayor of the Liverpool City region Steve Rotheram about leaving Westminster and establishing devolution across England.
“It’s called ‘Head North’. All I can say today is that the sequel ‘Head South’ is currently on hold.”
He added: “What I want to say today is that the time has most definitely come for a serious conversation about our political system and its pervading culture, particularly so in the aftermath of the Gorton and Denton by-election. It revealed the full depth of the chasm between people and Westminster politics. I don’t think anybody can seriously dispute that statement.”
Mr Burnham described polling by More in Common which found a majority of people do not think the cost-of-living crisis will ever end as “code red for Westminster politics”.
He added: “This is getting extremely dangerous, and change in our political system and culture is desperately needed.”
British military and diplomatic leaders attack Trump over ‘Starmer is no Churchill’ jibe
14:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSenior British military, diplomatic and political figures have joined forces to denounce Donald Trump over his comment that Keir Starmer is “no Winston Churchill.’
They said the prime minister was right to keep his distance from the US attack on Iran and they hit back hard at the president, saying his insults should be ignored.
Asked whether Mr Trump was right to have expected the UK to be “at its side at times like these,” General Sir Richard Shirreff, a senior former British Army officer and ex Deputy Supreme Commander of Nato said: “Britain has to focus on its own interests.
Military and diplomatic leaders attack Trump over ‘Starmer is no Churchill’ jibe
Labour MP Joani Reid issues statement after partner arrested
14:31 , Dan HaygarthLabour MP Joani Reid, whose spouse David Taylor is one of the people arrested on suspicion of spying for China, said: “I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law.
“I am not part of my husband’s business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and we should not be treated by media organisations as though we are. Above all I expect media organisations to respect my children’s privacy.”
The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP said: “I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters.
“As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.
“I am a social democrat who believes in freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party’s dictatorship.”
Badenoch calls Labour 'pathetic and weak' for spending on welfare over defence
14:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainConservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of being "pathetic and weak" for "spending money on welfare instead of defence".
At Prime Minister's Questions, Mrs Badenoch said: "He doesn't want to talk about the defence investment plan because he doesn't know. He doesn't know what is going on on any policy, so he reads statements that are pre-prepared, irrespective of the question, and the whole country can see it.
"The truth is that, because they spent money on welfare, there is no defence investment plan. Because there is no defence investment plan, they are not ordering enough missiles."
She went on to ask: "Does he think that at a time of geopolitical crisis, it makes sense to kill our oil and gas industry, and give up that ready supply of energy?"
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer replied: "The question of the energy supply right now is a serious question. We are doing all we can with allies to make sure that that is preserved and it's vital that we keep trade flowing through the Straits of Hormuz."
He added: "Oil and gas will be part of our energy mix for many years to come, but if Ukraine and the last few days have taught us anything, it is that all the time we're on the international market, we are vulnerable to these changes.
"That is why renewable energy, where we have our independence and security, would take us off those markets and give us the security that we need."
Call to name MP whose partner has reportedly been arrested
14:19 , Dan HaygarthConservative MP Kieran Mullan has called for MPs to be told the name of the MP whose partner has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
Bexhill and Battle MP Mr Mullan said in a point of order in the Commons: “There are rumours online that the arrests of individuals for spying include the partner of a Labour MP.
“I don’t make any suggestion that that Labour MP has done anything wrong, and it could have been any of us potentially.
“But we all know across this house, we’ve worked with other MPs within parties, across parties, share information, campaign together. We may well have been subjected to activities that we could volunteer to the House authorities and other, but unless we actually get a confirmation as to who that individual is, that isn’t an easy position to be in.
“So can the House give consideration to actually letting us know who this individual is, that we might reflect on whether we can offer any helpful information.”
This is the prime minister Starmer wants to emulate by standing up to Trump – and it’s not Winston Churchill
14:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBy refusing to roll over and do whatever the White House wants, the PM has shown far more in common with his hero Harold Wilson, says former Labour cabinet minister (and Wilson biographer) Alan Johnson:
It is 50 years this month, almost to the day, since Harold Wilson made his shock announcement that he would leave 10 Downing Street on his 60th birthday. He had won four elections, a feat only matched by William Gladstone, and a European referendum, a feat unmatched by David Cameron. He was two years younger when he quit than Keir Starmer would be when he first walked in.
It’s no wonder that Wilson is said to be the prime minister that Starmer most admires. “Not Winston Churchill” may have been how the US president Donald Trump, so scandalised by the UK’s refusal to let US planes attack Iran through British territories, described the current PM yesterday – but it is this other PM, Wilson, whom Starmer now truly seeks to emulate.
This is the PM Starmer wants to emulate with Trump – and it’s not Winston Churchill
Downing Street stresses US-UK special relationship still 'exists'
14:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDowning Street has stressed that the US-UK special relationship covers many different areas after US President Donald Trump's personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The special relationship exists on multiple levels.
"You can see the strength of it in practice as the UK and US forces are working side by side to support the collective self-defence of our allies both in the Middle East and all around the world.
"Of course, the special relationship, as we've said before, spans trade, diplomacy, national security, culture and beyond."
The spokesman brushed off a question on whether the UK was concerned about potential trade threats from Mr Trump after the American leader threatened to end trade with Spain over Madrid's opposition to the Middle East war.
"We already have an agreement with the US and discussions, as you'd expect, continue on multiple levels between the two countries," the official said.
Update on HMS Dragon warship
13:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDowning Street did not deny that the HMS Dragon warship may not sail from Portsmouth until next week.
The Type 45 air defence destroyer has begun resupplying air defence missiles at the ammunition facility in Portsmouth and will then return to her berth for logistics resupply for sailing, No 10 indicated.
Two Wildcat helicopters will be deployed this week "and together with HMS Dragon these will join our existing significant defensive capabilities deployed in the region, which include radar systems, air defence, F35 jets, which have been flying to defend our bases since Saturday", Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman told reporters.
Asked why this was happening days after the Middle East war began and whether the UK had been caught short, the spokesman said: "I don't accept that characterisation.
"We've got significant defensive capabilities in the region. We keep that capability under constant review. Our armed forces have been flying those defensive missions since Saturday."
Labour MP’s partner reportedly arrested on suspicion of spying for China
13:36 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThree men – one of whom is reportedly the partner of a sitting Labour MP – have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
The men were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting China’s foreign intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Counter Terrorism Policing London arrested a 39-year-old man at an address in London, a 68-year-old man in Powys in mid-Wales, and a 43-year-old man in Pontyclun, south Wales.
Read more here:
Labour MP’s partner reportedly arrested on suspicion of spying for China
Sir Ed Davey asks PM to guarantee energy bills will not go up by £500 a year
13:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey asked Sir Keir Starmer for a "cast-iron guarantee" that he will not let the conflict in the Middle East push up energy bills by £500.
He said: "Experts are warning that families could see their energy bills rise by £500 a year as a result of Trump's illegal war.
"Will the prime minister save families that anxiety and give a cast-iron guarantee today that he will not let energy bills rise by £500 this year?"
Responding, Sir Keir Starmer said: "It is important that I emphasise the actions we've been taken urgently this week with our allies, with the energy agencies across the world, and the work we're doing to make sure the safe passage for energy across the world. We will continue to do that."
PM insists US and UK still share 'special relationship' despite Trump's criticism
13:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLetting the US use UK bases and having British jets shooting down drones in the Middle East "is the special relationship in action", the Prime Minister has said, while "hanging on" to Donald Trump's latest words is not, after the US leader's personal attack on him.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer said: "American planes are operating out of British bases. That is the special relationship in action.
"British jets are shooting down drones and missiles to protect American lives in the Middle East on our joint bases. That is the special relationship in action.
"Sharing intelligence every day to keep our people safe. That is the special relationship in action.
"Hanging on to President Trump's latest words is not the special relationship in action."
He was responding to Gareth Bacon, the Conservative MP for Orpington, who said: "The United States of America is our most important international strategic ally. Does the Prime Minister believe that his dithering and equivocal response to events in the Middle East this week has made that relationship stronger or weaker?"
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Security minister says there will be 'severe consequences' if China attemped to interfere with UK sovereign affairs
13:03 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSecurity minister Dan Jarvis has said there will be "severe consequences" if it is proven that China attempted to interfere with UK sovereign affairs.
He told MPs: "Let me be clear, if there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences and hold all actors involved to account."
He added: "The government is taking robust action to ensure the UK's democratic institutions and processes are a hard target for this activity.
"The National Security Act provides our intelligence agencies and law enforcement with the modern legal tools they need to deter, detect and disrupt the full range of state threats.
"The action counter-terrorism police have been able to take this morning is an example that that legislation is working well."
Kemi Badenoch calls Labour MPs 'orcs and goons'
12:56 , Dan HaygarthRAF flew missions overnight to protect Qatar and Middle Eastern allies
12:52 , Dan HaygarthThe RAF flew missions overnight to protect Qatar and Middle Eastern allies, the prime minister has said, as he detailed action taken to counter Iran's retaliation across the region.
Sir Keir Starmer said: "For a number of weeks now we've been pre-deploying our capabilities to the region. In doing so we've been liaising very closely with the United States, as the House would have expected.
"Therefore, radar systems were pre-deployed, ground-based air defence was pre-deployed, counter-drone systems were pre-deployed and F35 jets were pre-deployed.
"That is why since Saturday morning multiple F35s and Typhoons have been in operation not just in the Middle East but across Cyprus.
"Further missions were flown overnight, Typhoons defending in particular Qatar, and F35s defending other regional parties.
"We're resupplying our air defence missiles today. Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities will be in Cyprus this week. HMS Dragon will be deployed to the Mediterranean and, of course, in agreement with the US, they're using our bases to conduct the operations to strike Iranian missiles and launches.
"That is the action that we are taking, that is the agreement that we've reached with the United States to protect our nationals."
Ed Davey’s war on tax exiles is angering his own MPs
12:43 , Dan HaygarthPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey doubled down on his attack on tax exiles needing to pay their fair share as they attempt to flee Donald Trump’s war with Iran and the repercussions.
But Sir Ed’s obsession with the subject is angering some in his own party who think it is “bad taste” to attack people who are under daily threat of missiles from Iran.
The Lib Dem leader has been accused of being “more interested in student politics and gimmicks” than serious issues by one of his own MPs.
The issue was raised at a meeting of Lib Dem MPs with their leader last night.
But it is feeding into growing questions about his leadership and failure to have any serious traction among the British public while losing support to the Greens despite having 72 MPs.
Lib Dem leader calls Trump’s war with Iran ‘illegal’
12:31 , Joe MiddletonMaryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
Ed Davey branded Donald Trump’s war with Iran “illegal” as he raised concerns about the impact of the conflict on energy bills
He said: “Experts are warning that families could see their energy bills rise by £500 a year due to Trump’s illegal war.“But millions of families and pensioners are already struggling to keep their heads above water during to a cost of living crisis.”
Analysis: Kemi Badenoch overshadowed by Tory legacy on defence in fiery PMQs
12:27 , Joe MiddletonPolitical Editor David Maddox reports:
The Tory leader was in feisty mood in PMQs today saying that Keir Starmer “has his priorities wrong” as the world slips into a worsening war in the Middle East.
She lambasted Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement yesterday which gave more money to welfare and leaves the promised increase to defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP for five years.
But while Ms Badenoch roused the Tory MPs behind her, the “year zero” she is taking to her party’s policy is a problem.Sir Keir rightly retorted that he wanted to “take no lessons” from a party which actually cut defence spending when it was in power.
As on so many issues including tax and immigration, Ms Badenoch is hamstrung by the record of the Tory government she was a leading member of as she tries to take on Labour.
Starmer: 'I was not prepared for UK to join war unless there was a lawful basis'
12:24 , Dan HaygarthPressed by Kemi Badenoch about the UK’s stance on the war in Iran, Sir Keir Starmer said: “What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan.
“That remains my position.”
PM: Badenoch is 'irrelevant'
12:23 , Joe MiddletonMaryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
The prime minster made a call for energy independence to relieve the UK from being vulnerable during global conflict.
He said: "Oil and gas will be part of our energy mix for many years to come. If Ukraine and the last few days have taught us anything, it is that all the time we are on the international market, we are vulnerable to these changes. "That is why renewable energy where we have our independence and security will take off those markets and give us the security we need.”
Calling Kemi Badenoch "irrelevant" for the second week in a row at PMQs, the prime minster said: "Moments like this define the leader of the opposition. They can either step up, act in the national interest and show that they’re fit to be prime minster. Or they can show their utter irrelevance. She has chosen the second."
Badenoch calls Labour a 'sea of orcs and goons'
12:22 , Dan HaygarthThe leader of the opposition describes the Labour benches as "a sea of orcs and goons", sparking a loud reaction in the Commons.
Badenoch mentions Starmer's future
12:20 , Dan HaygarthSpeaking about the fallout of the Gorton and Denton by-election, Kemi Badenoch says of Sir Keir Starmer: “Is it not the truth that he is prioritising his job security over our national security?’
The prime minister says he has spent the week “protecting British lives”.
He added: “Moments like this define a leader of the Opposition. They can they can either step up, act in the national interest and show that they’re fit to be prime minister. Or they can expose their utter irrelevance – she has chosen the second.”
Starmer confirms more than 1,000 UK nationals repatriated amid Gulf flight chaos
12:19 , Dan HaygarthPM: People are worried sick about Middle East situation
12:17 , Joe MiddletonMaryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
The prime minister said “family and friends are worried sick” about those caught up in the UAE.
He said: “Yesterday more than 1000 British nationals arrived back in the UK flights on commercial flights from the UAE." He said a further eight flights are leaving today. One charter flight is leaving Oman today and two more in the coming days, he said.
Starmer accuses Tories of hollowing out Armed Forces
12:17 , Joe MiddletonPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has accused the Tories of "hollowing out" the Armed Forces and missing army recruitment targets "every year for 14 years".
Responding to Kemi Badenoch's attacks on the PM for his response to events in the Middle East, Sir Keir told the Commons: "Not only did they cut the defence budget, they missed army recruitment targets every year for 14 years.
“They left morale in our armed forces at an all time low. And our forces hollowed out - thats the words of Ben Wallace the former defence secretary."
Badenoch doubles down on Labour's defence spending
12:16 , Daniel HaygarthThe Conservative leader continues her criticism, saying: “They [Labour] are pathetic. Spending money on welfare instead of defence spending.
“They are not just pathetic, they are also weak.”
'He is catching arrows rather than stopping the archer', Badenoch says
12:15 , Dan HaygarthKemi Badenoch responded to the prime minister’s statement on not joining the war.
She said: “The fact is, our bases have already been attacked. Iran is trying to kill our servicemen and woman. He is catching arrows rather than stopping the archer.”
She added: “We are in this war whether they like it or not. What is the prime minister waiting for?”
Kemi Badenoch tells Starmer we are at war with Iran ‘whether you like it or not’
12:15 , Joe MiddletonPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch believes that Sir Keir Starmer’s relatively muted response to the war with Iran is a political opportunity to exploit.
The prime minister was clear in his response that the UK will not join offensive action “until I am satisfied about the legal basis and whether there is a plan”.
But Ms Badenoch is insisted that his response “is simply not enough.”She told him: “We are at war with Iran if whether [the prime minister] likes it or not.”
British Airways announce further flights from Oman
12:14 , Dan HaygarthBritish Airways announced it will operate two further flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow, departing on Friday and Saturday.
It said in a statement: “We remain unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.
“The UK Government advice has now been updated to note that ‘commercial options are available to depart the region, and if your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing, if you judge you can access these options safely’.
“We have scheduled further flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow departing on March 6 and 7.
“Flights are for BA customers with an existing booking who are in Oman or the UAE.
“If you wish to travel on one of these flights, please contact us via our dedicated phone line on +44 203 467 3854.”
Starmer issues update on chartered flights from Middle East
12:13 , Dan HaygarthThe first charter flight from the Middle East is expected to leave Oman later today, with two more to come, the prime minister says.
PM: This is an extremely serious situation
12:12 , Joe MiddletonMaryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
Responding to Kemi Badenoch pressing him on acting on the US-Israel war with Iran, the PM said: “This is an extremely serious situation. The whole country is worried about the potential escalation, they’re worried about the impact on their lives, particularly when they see what is happening with energy.
“The family and friends caught in the region would be worried sick about them. We need to act with clarity, caution and with a clear head.He added: The protection of uk nationals is our number one priority.”
'There is no urgency from the prime minister', Badenoch says
12:11 , Daniel HaygarthKemi Badenoch has taken aim at Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer, saying of the Labour Party: “Their priorities are all wrong.”
She says the chancellor is funding welfare rather than defence.
The Conservative leader says: “The war in Iran is happening now.”
“There is no urgency from the prime minister”, she adds.
Situation in Middle East remains 'volatile', Starmer says
12:09 , Dan HaygarthThe situation in the Middle East “remains serious and volatile”, the prime minister has said.
Speaking at the start of Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said: “This Government will be resolute in our focus, protecting British lives, bringing our people home, and safeguarding our national interest.”
Starmer pays tribute to Sarah Everard five years on from her death
12:08 , Joe MiddletonPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Sarah Everard on the five year anniversary of her murder, saying the government is working to "keep women and girls safe" and "to prevent boys and men becoming abusers".
Addressing the Commons at the start of PMQs, the prime minister said: "Today my thoughts are with the family and friends of Sarah Everard on this very painful anniversary."Five years ago, I said her death had to be a turning point and this government is committed to halving violence against women and girls.
"We're acting in our schools, in our police forces, online and offline to keep women and girls safe, to prevent boys and men becoming abusers and supporting victims to get justice and closure."
Starmer says protection of UK nationals in Middle East is 'number one priority'
12:08 , Daniel HaygarthAsked by Kemi Badenoch about the UK’s response to conflict in the Middle East, the prime minister says: “the whole country is worried about the potential for escalation.”
He adds: “We need to act with clarity, with purpose and with a cool head. The protection of UK nationals is our number one priority.”
PM issues update on Middle East
12:06 , Joe MiddletonMaryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
The prime minister began PMQs with acknowledging the conflict in the Middle East.
He said: “The situation in the Middle East remains serious and volatile. This government will be resolute in our focus on protecting British lives, bringing our people home and safeguarding our national interest.”
Lindsay Hoyle issues gentle warning about tone of PMQs
12:05 , Dan HaygarthPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The Commons Speaker has felt the need to ask MPs to tone down some of their language in today’s PMQs in light of “recent exchanges in this chamber”.He urged MPs to remember to “moderate” their language as they grill the PM and give answers.It comes after some angry exchanges recently in the House as tensions rise over Iran, the economy and Donald Trump.
Prime Minister's Questions begins
12:03 , Dan HaygarthKeir Starmer is at the despatch box and this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions has begun.
Live: Starmer faces PMQs after Trump’s ‘no Churchill’ attack
11:57 , Dan HaygarthBid to require Parliament vote on foreign use of UK bases amid Iran conflict
11:53 , Dan Haygarth
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a bill that would require parliamentary approval for the use of UK military bases and equipment by other nations for armed conflict.
It comes after the Prime Minister gave permission for the US to use British military bases for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites to protect countries being targeted by Tehran.
The Military Action (Parliamentary Approval) (No.2) Bill would also require the withdrawal of permission to use UK bases where parliamentary approval is not granted.
The Bill, which is expected to be laid later on Wednesday, is co-sponsored by Labour MPs Diane Abbott, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Brian Leishman, Apsana Begum and Kim Johnson.
It is also co-sponsored by the new Green MP for Gorton and Denton Hannah Spencer, the Green Party’s Westminster leader Ellie Chowns, and independent MPs Ayoub Khan and Adnan Hussain.
Mr Corbyn, also an independent MP, said on X on Wednesday: “We must learn from the lessons of the past – and stop our Prime Minister from dragging Britain into another catastrophic, illegal war.”
One in five Reform members want non-white British citizens to be removed from UK, poll finds
11:47 , Daniel HaygarthA fifth of Reform members want non-white British citizens whose parents were born in the UK to be forcibly removed or encouraged to leave the country, a new poll has found.
More than half of the members of Nigel Farage’s party believe non-white British citizens who were born abroad should be forcibly removed or encouraged to leave, compared with 24 per cent if they were white, according to data from Hope Not Hate.
Read the full article below:
One in five Reform members want non-white Britons removed from UK, poll finds
Navy in most ‘parlous state’ it has been in for 60 years, says former chief
11:40 , Dan HaygarthThe Royal Navy is in the most “parlous state” it has been in for 60 years and does not “deliver what the nation needs”, a former chief of the service has said.
Lord West of Spithead added his voice to the growing criticism of the lack of military presence in the Mediterranean to defend against Iranian attacks.
On Tuesday, the prime minister announced HMS Dragon would be deployed to defend Cyprus after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone – with families of service personnel moved away from the area as a precaution.
Two Wildcat helicopters will join the vessel, equipped with Martlet missiles – which are designed to counter drone attacks.
Some have suggested the UK’s decision to have a presence in the Mediterranean has been too slow and questions have been raised over the country’s capability to send vessels on operations.
On Wednesday, Lord West told the Press Association the Royal Navy is “too small” and has “not been looked after properly”.
He said: “The bottom line is the Navy’s in a more parlous state than at any stage in the 60 years I’ve been on the active list.
“It’s too small, it’s not been looked after properly, there’s been insufficient (funds) spent on it, and I’m afraid it doesn’t deliver what the nation needs.”
Top supermarket boss says Labour is ‘constraining’ British businesses
11:25 , Dan HaygarthLabour is not doing enough to support business and has become “more and more difficult” to deal with, Asda’s chief has warned.
Allan Leighton, who has chairman of the supermarket since 2024 but was also chief executive in the late 1990s, said Labour used to “go out of their way to try and engage with business” when he was last running the company but were now “less helpful”.
He added that decisions made in Westminster are now having a bigger impact on companies - and not in a good way. Businesses are being left to deal with problems created by those in power, he suggested.
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Top supermarket boss accuses Labour of ‘constraining’ British businesses
Farage unveils two Labour defectors as he makes a push for London votes
11:00 , Dan HaygarthNigel Farage has unveiled two senior Labour figures in London politics as the latest defectors to Reform as he makes a push for votes in the capital ahead of the local elections.
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Farage unveils two Labour defectors as he makes a push for London votes
British military and diplomatic leaders attack Trump over ‘Starmer is no Churchill’ jibe
10:55 , Dan HaygarthSenior British military, diplomatic and political figures have joined forces to denounce Donald Trump over his comment that Keir Starmer is “no Winston Churchill.’
They said the prime minister was right to keep his distance from the US attack on Iran and they hit back hard at the president, saying his insults should be ignored.
Asked whether Mr Trump was right to have expected the UK to be “at its side at times like these,” General Sir Richard Shirreff, a senior former British Army officer and ex Deputy Supreme Commander of Nato said: “Britain has to focus on its own interests.
“We have to put this in the context of an America that has made it clear it is not going to underwrite European security as part of Nato and has threatened to attack a Nato ally, Denmark, (over Greenland).”
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Military and diplomatic leaders attack Trump over ‘Starmer is no Churchill’ jibe
Farage: 'If this operation stops Iran getting a nuclear weapon, it would have been worth it'
10:43 , Dan Haygarth
Nigel Farage has suggested that Britain joining the US in its war on Iran was a different situation to the Iraq war.
The Reform UK leader told a central London press conference: “There are times to say no to the Americans, absolutely. We should have said no a couple of times in the last 25 years.
“Of course, because Saddam Hussein didn’t pose any direct threat to this country, they had to invent a threat.
“I would argue in the case of Iran, since October 7 this country has fundamentally changed as a result of terrorism funded by Iran.
“Frankly, if this operation stops Iran getting a nuclear weapon, it would have been worth it. I believe that very, very strongly.
“I’m really incredibly nervous about intervening in foreign wars, I believe it’s the right one.”
BREAKING: Corbyn tables bill on foreign use of UK bases
10:36 , Dan HaygarthIndependent MP Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a Bill to require parliamentary approval for the foreign use of UK military bases, Novara reports.
This has come in response to Keir Starmer allowing the US to use UK bases in its war against Iran.
Labour figures from London politics have joined Reform, Farage announces
10:21 , Dan HaygarthTwo Labour figures from local politics in London have joined Reform UK, Nigel Farage has announced.
Former Labour Newham council chief Sir Robin Wales and ex-councillor Clive Furness are the two Labour figures to have joined Mr Farage’s party, he has said at a press conference this morning.
Mr Furness has been selected as Reform’s candidate for Mayor of Newham in the forthcoming local elections while Sir Robin will act as Reform’s London director of local government.
End of a special relationship: Why it is over between Starmer and Trump
10:18 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump’s interviews have revealed that his close relationship with Keir Starmer is finished, political editor David Maddox explains that the breakdown is much more than a disagreement over Iran.
Read the analysis below:
End of a special relationship: Why it is over between Starmer and Trump
Middle East conflict likely to dominate today's PMQs
10:04 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer will face a grilling from MPs over his decisions on the Middle East war after Donald Trump launched a personal attack against him over the refusal to allow initial US strikes on Iran from British bases.
In his latest comment about the prime minister, the US president said on Tuesday he was “not happy with the UK” over the extent of its support and that “this is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with”.
Sir Keir had later on Sunday agreed to allow America to use British military bases, but only for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites to protect countries being targeted by Tehran.
He is yet to respond personally to the president’s latest rebuke but will face MPs for Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, when the conflict is likely to dominate the agenda.
Oil surges and stock markets fall after strikes in Iran – what does it mean for your money and pension?
09:50 , Holly EvansThe Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has warned that the situation in Iran could have a “significant impact” on economies around the world with the impact of the ongoing conflict set to hit people’s finances.
The warnings comes after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, sparking widespread conflict across the Middle East, with a major gas plant shut in Qatar and the US appearing set to move navy ships into the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest escalation comes after a year in which US president Donald Trump instigated tariffs on nations around the world during the prolonged tension between Iran and Israel. Along with the invasion by Russia on Ukraine – which hugely affected commodity prices – these large-scale cases of conflict are having a real impact on people’s pockets across the globe.
Read the full article here here:
Oil surges after Iran strikes – what does it mean for petrol prices and your money?
Calm returns to markets in Europe but oil prices climb higher on Iran war
09:38 , Holly EvansStock markets in Europe have steadied after two days of punishing falls but oil prices continued to climb higher as the US-Israel war with Iran threatens to spark an energy supply crunch and experts warned over ongoing volatility.
London’s FTSE 100 Index was largely unchanged in early trading on Wednesday, down just 0.4 points at 10483.8, having slumped nearly 3 per cent on Tuesday amid fears over a prolonged conflict.
Markets were also pulling out of their nosedive across Europe, with the Cac 40 in France 0.3 per cent higher and the Dax in Germany unchanged, despite heavy overnight declines in Asia.
The cost of crude extended gains further, however, with Brent crude up another 3 per cent at 84.5 US dollars a barrels at one stage – its highest level since July 2024.
Oil and gas prices have been sent soaring amid disruption to supplies in the Middle East, with Iran threatening to block key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz and Qatar halting production of liquified natural gas on Monday following attacks on its facilities.
About a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow waterway between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US Navy would protect ships in the region “if necessary” to protect oil supplies.
Chancellor's economic plan is 'more important than ever' amid Middle East conflict
09:23 , Holly EvansA minister has said that in the context of the conflict in the Middle East, “the stability and the resilience which comes out of the economic plan the Chancellor is implementing is more important than ever”.
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if there was a hole in forecasts because of what is happening in the Middle East, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: “No, I think what the forecast showed yesterday is that we’ve got the right economic plan, because the update the Chancellor gave showed how we’re bringing down inflation, how we’re cutting borrowing, how we’re creating the conditions for growth across the country.
“All of that was important and essential, even before what’s happened recently in Iran and the Middle East, it was the right thing to do to get the economy growing, to put more money in people’s pockets.
“One of the other critical priorities we’ve always had as a Government through the economic plan the Chancellor is implementing is about building our resilience.
“It’s about making us more secure. It’s about protecting the public finances, the British economy and household finances from instability in shocks around the world.
“So, I think, in the context of what’s happening in the Middle East right now, the stability and the resilience which comes out of the economic plan the Chancellor is implementing is more important than ever.”
UK energy bills could soar by £500 over Iran-US war, think tank warns
09:12 , Holly EvansUK households are being warned that their annual energy bills could increase by £500 because of the war in the Middle East.
After the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the conflict in the region has dramatically unfolded, raising fears over relied-on supplies of oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf.
QatarEnergy said it would stop its production of LNG, taking one of the world’s top suppliers off the market indefinitely. Meanwhile, oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has mostly ground to a halt.
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UK energy bills could soar by £500 over Iran-US war, think tank warns
Flight between Dubai and Dublin to go ahead with Emirates
08:57 , Holly EvansAirline Emirates is to run a flight from Dubai to Dublin later on Wednesday, Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister has said.
It comes after the Irish Government said it would charter a flight from Oman to assist its citizens in the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said on the social media site X on Wednesday morning that there had been a “positive development” in efforts to get Irish citizens home.
“Emirates have decided to run a flight from Dubai to Dublin later later today,” she said.
“We are in close touch with the airline.
“They will be in direct contact with passengers whose flights were cancelled.”
An estimated 22,000-23,000 Irish citizens are in the region.
Vessel hit by projectile off coast of UAE
08:47 , Holly EvansThe UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said a vessel had been struck by a projectile off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE.
It said in a statement early on Wednesday: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 7NM east of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
“The Master reported the vessel being struck by an unknown projectile causing damage to the steel plating. There has been no fire or water intake. All crew reported safe.
“Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”
UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 010-026
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 4, 2026
Click here to view the full warning ⤵️https://t.co/OoEcbTkv09#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/MbPvRQ2xvV
Airlines ramp up flights from the Middle East
08:36 , Holly EvansThousands more Britons stranded in the Middle East are returning home on Wednesday as airlines ramp up their flights from the region.
Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK while Etihad has two Abu Dhabi departures.
Virgin Atlantic will operate a flight from Dubai to London Heathrow.
British Airways has not restarted its usual flying programme from the region, but will run an evacuation flight to Heathrow from Oman capital Muscat, which it does not usually serve.
A UK Government charter flight will repatriate Britons from Muscat at 7pm GMT, but it has been reported there will be no major evacuation of the 130,000 British nationals who have registered their presence in the Middle East.
That means most stranded people are reliant on getting a seat on a commercial flight.
Tuesday's economic forecast 'already out of date' as conflict grows in Middle East
08:25 , Holly EvansWar in the Middle East threatens growth in living standards in the UK and forecasts published alongside the spring statement are already “looking out of date”, a think tank has warned.
Ruth Curtice, chief executive at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The immediate economic outlook for Britain is highly uncertain, with yesterday’s forecasts already looking out of date, while the living standards picture for the rest of the Parliament is very lopsided.
“This coming year is set to be a decent one for living standards, and a bumper one for poorer families, as wages and benefit support rise above the level of inflation. But a fresh energy price shock risks puncturing this good news.
“With wage growth set to tail off, the living standards picture for the rest of the Parliament is bleak. This should remind policymakers of the need to both navigate near-term uncertainty and support productivity-based economic growth over the medium term.
“That is the only way to meaningfully lift living standards throughout Britain.”
UK-US relationship is 'strong, historic and long lasting', minister insists
08:14 , Holly EvansThe relationship between the UK and the US is "strong, historic... longlasting" and is "the basis of our security" a minister has insisted amid repeated verbal attacks from Donald Trump.
Asked about Mr Trump's accusation that Sir Keir Starmer is "no Winston Churchill", Treasury minister James Murray told Sky News: "Words will be said, phrases will be used, but what's important is the relationship between the US and the UK.
"And if you think about it, right now, the US and the UK will be working together on these defensive actions.
"And in the Middle East, we will be sharing intelligence, as we do 365 days a year. That relationship between the US and UK is strong, it is historic, it is long lasting and is the basis of our security."
By taking on Trump, has Keir Starmer finally found his footing?
08:06 , Holly EvansThe Iran war is only days old, but with every hour that passes, it is spreading further out of control. It is thus becoming increasingly clear how sensible – indeed courageous – it was for the prime minister to keep the British out of this conflict, so far as practicably possible.
It may not make much difference to American and Israeli military operations, but it was the right thing to do. That it has caused some strains in the special relationship is a matter for regret, but the transatlantic alliance is an old and durable one, and it has recovered from many crises of confidence.
The conversations Sir Keir Starmer has had with Donald Trump in recent times cannot have been easy. It takes some bravery to stand up to such a notoriously overbearing figure leading the planet’s pre-eminent superpower. More than that, it takes moral courage. Yet Sir Keir did so, to the now evident disappointment of his counterpart.
Read the full editorial here:
By taking on Trump, has Keir Starmer finally found his footing?
Government monitoring energy bills closely, minister says
08:01 , Holly EvansOur political correspondent Millie Cooke writes...
The government is monitoring the situation over energy bills very closely as a result of events in the Middle East, a minister has said, saying it was still "early days".
Asked whether he was worried about oil and gas prices, chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Sky News: “I can understand because people have been concerned about the cost of living for a long time, so when people see what they do on the news, they will wonder ‘what does this mean for us?'”
He added: “What I would say to people is that it’s early days in terms of what’s happening in the Middle East.
“We’re all very concerned about what’s happening and, as a government, we’re monitoring very closely, but it is early days, and in terms of how people will experience their energy bills in the immediate future, they will see that reduction come through via the price cap on April 1.”
Foreign Office updates travel advice for Thailand
07:59 , Holly EvansThe Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Thailand early on Wednesday “due to the escalation in the Middle East”.
It said in a statement: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Affected British nationals are urged to stay across the latest updates from their airline or tour operator and review their travel insurance policies before travelling.
Minister refuses to say when defence investment plan will be publish
07:56 , Holly EvansA minister would not say when the defence investment plan will be published.
Asked when the plan would be released, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Times Radio: “The Ministry of Defence is working hard to get that out as soon as possible.”
Asked whether the Treasury was holding it up, he declined to say.
Mr Murray said the UK had been building up defensive capability in recent weeks as he was questioned about the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
“What’s important is that we have been prepared in the build-up toward this and that we now step up and make sure we have the defensive capability there,” he said.
Starmer has approached conflict with a 'clarity of purpose', minister says
07:53 , Holly EvansA minister has dismissed Donald Trump’s claim that Sir Keir Starmer is no “Winston Churchill”, arguing that the Prime Minister had approached the situation with a “cool head, a real clarity of purpose” and “a determination to do the right thing for the British people”.
Asked whether the US president was right to say this, Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Times Radio: “No, look, President Trump has expressed his disagreement with the decision that we took about joining those initial strikes on Iran over the weekend.
“But I think what’s really important when we think about that decision is to recognise that the Prime Minister took the decision he did in the national interest, you know, and he’s approached this with a cool head, with a real clarity of purpose, with a real focus and a determination to do the right thing for the British people.
“That’s why we took the decision we did not to join those offensive actions, the initial strikes, a few days ago, but then when it came to a defensive action in order to protect British citizens, we stepped up and made sure that we are doing what we need to do to keep British people safe.”
Asked whether he did not think Mr Trump’s remarks were important, he said: “Well, I think, you know, the president has expressed himself using his words, but what’s important for me is that the Prime Minister is taking the right decisions for the UK, and, of course, that the special relationship between the US and the UK continues. You know, we work together with the US, day in, day out.”
UK sends Royal Navy warship to defend Cyprus
07:46 , Holly EvansThe Prime Minister meanwhile announced Britain would send HMS Dragon, one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers, to defend Cyprus after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone.
The war between Iran and the USA, now in its fifth day, will likely dominate the agenda when Sir Keir enters the Commons at noon on Wednesday for Prime Minister’s Questions.
HMS Dragon is being readied to depart for the Mediterranean and will be accompanied by two Wildcat helicopters equipped with so-called “drone busting” Martlet missiles, so it can protect Britain’s bases in Cyprus.
The warship, which is emblazoned with the Welsh red dragon on its prow, was pictured on Tuesday night at the Upper Harbour Ammunition Facility (UHAF) in Portsmouth harbour.
Trump hits out at Starmer over Iran: ‘This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with’
07:43 , Holly EvansDonald Trump has said he is “not happy” with the UK over its approach to the Iran conflict, declaring that Keir Starmer is “not Winston Churchill”.
Speaking at the White House, the US president unleashed another rant about the UK, claiming Sir Keir had been “very uncooperative” and had “ruined relationships” over Iran and the Chagos Islands.
Mr Trump has hit out at Britain several times since the US launched strikes on Tehran, criticising Sir Keir for not immediately allowing the US to use British bases to attack Iran.
Speaking about support from European nations for US action in Iran, Mr Trump added: “I’m not happy with the UK either.”
Read the full article here:
Trump hits out at Starmer over Iran: ‘This is no Churchill we’re dealing with’
British nationals, partners and children eligible for Oman flight
07:42 , Holly EvansBritish nationals, their partners and children under 18 are eligible for Wednesday’s chartered flight from Muscat, as long as they have a valid travel document.
The Foreign Office said priority will be given to the most vulnerable and they will contact British nationals in Oman. Anyone who registered their presence in the United Arab Emirates and are now in Oman is asked to register for a place on a flight.
They asked people not to travel to Muscat International Airport in Oman unless they are contacted by officials.
Dependents who are not British nationals will require a valid visa or permission to enter or remain granted for more than three months.
The Foreign Office said it was working with airlines on more routes.
