Keir Starmer with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in 2022. KIRSTY O'CONNOR via POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesTony Blair has criticised Keir Starmer for not backing Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Iran. Starmer turned down the US president’s initial request for US jets to use British bases to launch bombing raids alongside the Israelis in Iran. AdvertisementHe only changed his mind after Iran began bombing countries across the Gulf region, putting up to 300,000 British lives at risk. If they are your ally and they are an indispensable cornerstone for your security, you had better show up.”On the criticism Starmer has faced for allowing US jets to use British bases, Blair said: “People always complain.

Source: Huffington Post March 08, 2026 13:29 UTC