Donald Trump said he was ‘very disappointed’ Sir Keir Starmer initially blocked the US from using British military bases to target Iran.
The president said the Labour leader ‘took far too long’ to change his mind and allow the US to allow British bases to target Iran.
He said: ‘That’s probably never happened between our countries before. It sounds like he was worried about the legality.’
He added: ‘All of a sudden [Mauritius] was claiming ownership. He should have fought it out and owned it or make him take it, if you want to know the truth. But no, we were very disappointed in Keir.’
Sir Keir is facing huge tensions within Labour ranks, as left-wingers condemn Donald Trump‘s action.
Sir Keir announced last night that American forces would be permitted to operate from UK bases for defensive purposes, after the Tehran regime rained down drones and missiles on a host of nearby states.
Donald Trump said he was ‘very disappointed’ Sir Keir Starmer initially blocked the US from using British military bases to target Iran
Keir Starmer announced last night that American forces would be permitted to operate from UK bases for defensive purposes, after the Tehran regime rained down drones and missiles on a host of nearby states
Downing Street insisted the move is not a U-turn, despite the premier initially refusing to participate in the joint strikes with Israel – or even say whether the UK backed them. In contrast both Australia and Canada have been supportive, sparking fury that Sir Keir was sitting on the fence to avoid riling his own backbenchers.
Kemi Badenoch raged that Sir Keir had only acted when he had no choice, and pointed out ministers are still refused to back the military steps explicitly.
But while the shift has been welcomed by some Labour MPs, others are livid at the assistance being provided to the US operations. The Lib Dems and Greens are pushing for a Commons vote on the decision.
The political difficulties are compounded for Sir Keir after Labour’s humiliating defeat by the hard-Left Greens in last week’s Gorton & Denton by-election.
It is not clear whether Sir Keir – who did not take questions last night – will make a statement to Parliament later.
