Keir Starmer is facing increasing political criticism over his handling of the Iran crisis after he confirmed that the UK will not participate in military strikes alongside the US and Israel.
Speaking to GB News, former Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt stated that the Prime Minister must “find a backbone or clear off,” labelling him as “weak at home and on the world stage.”
During an address to MPs, Starmer confirmed that the UK would “not be joining” the United States and Israel in direct military action against Iran. He emphasised that the government’s priority is to “protect our people in the region,” indicating that British forces would remain focused on defensive operations.
These comments followed sharp criticism from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who accused some “traditional allies” of “clutching pearls” in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. While he did not name specific countries, his remarks were widely interpreted as frustration directed at partners unwilling to engage in offensive operations.
The Prime Minister’s stance has highlighted a growing divide in Westminster, with critics arguing that Britain should firmly support its closest allies. Conversely, supporters of the government’s approach claim that avoiding escalation protects UK interests and reduces the risk of a wider war.
As tensions rise across the region, pressure on Downing Street is likely to persist as events unfold.
Mordaunt told GB News: “I think what you’re seeing is the difference between nations that are prepared to use their power and have clear objectives and an understanding of what is in their strategic interests, and nations which are still obsessed by process.
“And unfortunately, the UK seems to be in the latter camp at the moment.”
She added: “The most important thing is having had the United States embark on this mission, that they are able to see it through, and what I worry about is the regime and it’s proxies will be trying to create as much pressure for the US to end this campaign early and leave part of the regime intact, not allow the Iranian people to step up and make this change.
“And I hope that the Prime Minister has enough guts to recognise that and resist that, and enable the United States to complete its mission.”
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