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Middle East: Defence
09 March 2026
Lead MP
John Healey
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceTaxationForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
John Healey raised concerns about middle east: defence in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
John Healey, the Labour Minister, began his statement by praising the UK's armed forces for their ongoing efforts to protect British lives and interests in the Middle East. He highlighted the deployment of approximately 400-strong air defence teams in Cyprus, counter-drone specialists in Iraq, fast jet pilots in Qatar, and command specialists in regional defence co-ordination centres. Healey emphasised the three principles guiding the UK Government's approach: defensive measures since January, co-ordination with allies such as NATO, the US, and Gulf states, and adherence to legal frameworks. He acknowledged Iran's recent indiscriminate attacks, including those against 10 countries with both military and civilian targets, and confirmed additional military capability has been sent to the region to enhance protection.
Mark Francois
Con
Nottingham North
Question
Mark Francois interjected during the Minister's statement to express concern about Iran's actions and the need for a robust response.
Minister reply
The Minister responded to the interjection without providing a detailed answer, as the statement was continuing and no formal question was asked.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that any serious integrated missile defence plan for the sovereign base areas on Cyprus would by necessity include the presence of a Type 45 air defence destroyer? Will he confirm that the Government decided only last Tuesday to send a Type 45 to the eastern Med, after the US action had already commenced and two days after RAF Akrotiri was attacked by kamikaze drones?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct answer but acknowledged the importance of the Royal Navy's role and the need for a robust defence plan. He did not confirm the specific timeline or decision-making process regarding the deployment of HMS Dragon.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that, until the Prime Minister’s U-turn a week ago, this Labour Government were displaying the most extraordinary double standards to our closest military ally by on the one hand denying the US the use of our bases, while on the other relying on it to protect ours?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct answer but acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for a balanced approach to maintaining security and diplomatic relations.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
When exactly are the Government going to publish the defence investment plan? Can the Secretary of State at least say if it will be published before local election purdah commences?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a specific date but emphasised the importance of the defence investment plan and acknowledged the need for a timely publication.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Will the Secretary of State therefore give a cast-iron guarantee that UK sovereignty of our bases on Cyprus is not up for negotiation?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a cast-iron guarantee but assured the House of the Government's commitment to maintaining UK sovereignty over its bases in Cyprus.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
The MP questions the delay in deploying a Type 45 destroyer to the eastern Mediterranean and the decision-making process behind it. He also inquires about the timing of HMS Dragon's deployment and calls for a guarantee on the sovereignty of UK military bases on Cyprus. He criticises the Government's delay in publishing the defence investment plan and the prioritization of welfare over rearmament.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the support for the steps taken to protect British interests and allies in the region. He explains that the option of deploying HMS Dragon was signed off on Tuesday last week. He also notes that the Labour Government cut £12 billion from the defence budget in their first five years and did not order a single new destroyer in 14 years. The Secretary of State confirms that the defence investment plan is being worked on and emphasises the significant increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. He also calls for an apology for the leader's insulting remarks about British forces in the region.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The MP thanks the Secretary of State for the operational briefing and supports the action taken to pre-position Typhoons, F-35s, and other air defence assets in the region. He raises concern about the lack of a naval presence and asks about urgent measures to rectify the situation and increase investment in defence.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the support and emphasises the increase in defence spending, which is more than £8 billion greater than in the last year under the previous Government. He outlines the vision and plan for rebuilding forces, strengthening the deterrent, integrating armed forces for the future, and harnessing new technology.
James MacCleary
Lib Dem
Lewes
Question
Asked for assurances that no UK personnel are serving aboard US navy ships engaged in offensive operations in the Middle East and for clarity on monitoring of US actions from UK bases. Pressed the Secretary of State to give a timeframe for the release of the defence investment plan.
Minister reply
Healey stated that all decisions and actions have been defensive and legally justified. He assured that the UK-US relationship remains strong and that any intelligence from UK bases will be reviewed by the Intelligence and Security Committee. He did not provide a specific timeframe for the release of the defence investment plan.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Question
Asked about the role of HMS Anson in defending British interests in the region.
Minister reply
Healey declined to disclose details of HMS Anson's operations due to their sensitivity and potency.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
Clarified the Defence Secretary's stance on de-escalation and the use of cross-country operations with France and the US to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Minister reply
Healey confirmed the UK's commitment to regional stability and security, and the readiness to approve additional capabilities as needed in the Middle East.
Fred Thomas
Lab
Plymouth Moor View
Question
Asked for a response to the shadow Secretary of State's criticism of UK military personnel as being idle.
Minister reply
Healey defended the UK's military personnel as dedicated and working flat out to protect British interests, and expressed disappointment at the shadow Secretary of State's comments.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Suggested Britain could assist the US with drone technology from Ukraine.
Minister reply
Healey acknowledged the suggestion and highlighted ongoing efforts to support Gulf states with technology and expertise from Ukraine.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Asked about the importance of the Chancellor providing new funds for UK armed forces.
Minister reply
Healey emphasised the importance of independent UK foreign policy while maintaining strong ties with the US.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
Asked about the rules of engagement for US operations from UK bases.
Minister reply
Healey expressed full confidence in the arrangements and close relations between the US and UK.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Asked for urgent de-escalation and reduction in tensions, and expressed concern over potential consequences of a long conflict.
Minister reply
Healey agreed on the importance of de-escalation and expressed support for actions taken to protect British personnel and citizens.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Is the problem here not our military capability—we still have the second most capable navy in NATO—but the political will? Why is it that HMS Duncan, the sister ship of HMS Dragon, is alongside in Portsmouth, having spent the summer in a maintenance period? She has been up and ready to go for weeks. Why was she not sent at the beginning of this crisis?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is another former Defence Minister from the previous Government, so he knows all about the decisions that left our Navy in the state it is in now. He will also appreciate that we have taken decisions to deploy the things that Britain can best put into the region to protect our allies and our people, both military and civilian. He will recognise and applaud the fact that because of that, from day one, our fast jets have been flying defensive operations in co-ordination with our allies and our US colleagues, and that where circumstances change, we will adapt the action and decisions that we take, which is what we have done from the point that we saw the indiscriminate extent of the Iranian response last Saturday.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
Iran has a network of proxies and lone actors who threaten our security here at home. Will the Secretary of State join me in thanking all the volunteers of the Community Security Trust who protect our Jewish places of worship and schools? Never have they been more crucial.
Minister reply
I will indeed. My hon. Friend is right: the Community Security Trust does extraordinary work in very difficult times and is responding to deep unease, deep concern and, in some cases, serious fears among the Jewish community in this country.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
May I first say that I do not know of anybody on the Conservative Benches who would not wish to associate themselves with the Secretary of State’s praise for the courage and determination of our armed services, both worldwide and particularly in Cyprus? I have to declare an interest, Madam Deputy Speaker; as you know, I am an honorary citizen of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus has maintained a principled neutrality that has served British nationals and others well over many years. Akrotiri is based almost exactly between Paphos and Larnaca—it is a very difficult situation for the Secretary of State to square. Will he tell the House what steps will be taken to protect the many British nationals resident in Cyprus and the many other British visitors who have hitherto gone to the island for their holidays?
Minister reply
I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks about our armed forces and will ensure that they are passed on. I had not realised he was an honorary citizen of Cyprus; I hope he will appreciate that, as I confirmed in my statement, the head of the national guard has confirmed that co-operation between our militaries has never been closer. I hope he will also appreciate that the defensive capabilities and activities that we are running from Akrotiri are part of defending not just our base, but our people right across Cyprus and the island of Cyprus itself. From that island, we can also help to defend regional allies, which we are doing.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for everything he is doing to support all my constituents in the region and to keep them safe. I know that he and I share the priority of getting our serving personnel the capabilities that they need. In the light of the movements we have seen today in the gilt and bond markets, which underline the pressure on Governments to finance increased defence spending, does the Secretary of State agree that we should explore innovative multilateral financing mechanisms, such as the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, to help to unlock the capital our defence industrial base needs to grow?
Minister reply
I do, and we are. My hon. Friend will also have noted the Prime Minister’s important speech at the Munich security conference a couple of weeks ago when he recognised that in this new era of threats we face, this is now an era of hard power. He has recognised the need to spend more on defence and to spend it faster.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Question
I visited the UK-US Bahrain base at the end of last year, and during the Venezuela statement on 5 January this year I said that we were exposed in Bahrain with the naval assets. The Secretary of State has rightly said that the UK presence over there has been ramped up since January. If last Tuesday was the first time that the Chief of the Defence Staff saw a request for naval assets to go to that region, what has gone wrong during that time and is it a strategic failure that it has taken that long for a request for those assets to be put on that desk?
Minister reply
I have explained to the House the range of defensive capabilities that we put into the region ahead of this current conflict. When we saw the scale of the Iranian reaction to the strikes—the retaliation from Saturday onwards—it was clear that we wanted to do more. I have done more, and I have explained that to the House. I have also explained that these are not just British defensive assets deployed on a fully legal basis; these assets are employed in full co-ordination with the US and our other allies. As I have explained, HMS Dragon will take up its position in the eastern Mediterranean alongside other defensive destroyers that the US has already deployed in the area.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Question
The shadow Secretary of State laments the state of our Royal Navy, but he will remember that it was his party that cut investment in our Royal Navy over 14 years, cut the number of warships we had by 25% and ordered no new destroyers in that period either. Does the Secretary of State agree that while we should be investing in our Navy, we should take no lessons from the Conservatives, who set up our Navy to be ready to fail in the situation that we are in now?
Minister reply
I do agree with my hon. Friend, and we are investing in our Navy, just as we are increasing defence investment across the board, including in the munitions that we need when we are faced with conflicts like this.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
The Secretary of State made the distinction between permitting the use of British bases for offensive action and for defensive action. I understand the need to protect and defend British citizens in the middle east, but can the Secretary of State explain how he is seeking to maintain this distinction between offensive and defensive action, given that it would require a degree of control over US military activity that the British Government may not possess?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is a military man by experience. He will understand the nature of the requests that nations make of each other, the agreements that they put in place and how those work. Accessing, basing, overflights—that is exactly the request that we had when it was clear that the Iranian response to the first wave of attacks took us into a new phase. It was a request from the US that we allow US bombers to operate from Fairford and Diego Garcia for specific defensive purposes: to take out the Iranian missile positions. That is what they are doing.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
It was a Conservative 2010 strategic defence and security review and subsequent basing review that took the Royal Navy’s repair facilities from three to one—an utterly reckless decision that was made worse considering that the Conservatives knew of the Type 45s’ power plant problems—creating an internal competition for the limited resource of the Royal Navy. Does the Secretary of State agree that it was reckless Tory risk taking that left the Royal Navy in this precarious situation—
Minister reply
I do agree with my hon. Friend; he speaks with the authority of someone who was serving at the time in 2010. In that first year, the Tories cut £2 billion from the defence budget, and in their first five years they cut £12 billion from defence. They underfunded and hollowed out our armed forces over 14 years.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
The deployment of HMS Dragon means that we have left a gap in our commitment to be the flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Group One. HMS Duncan is already tasked to go on Operation Firecrest to the High North, and HMS Dauntless is still in the fleet time support period. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that we will be able to fulfil our commitment to NATO in providing the flagship role, and can he guarantee that it will be provided by a British ship?
Minister reply
I am not going to announce the deployments of British forces in advance. The hon. Member is right to point to the balance of threats and responsibilities that we have to manage. We are doing that, and we will always fulfil our NATO commitments.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Question
Can I thank my right hon. Friend for everything that he is doing in Britain’s national interest? Our armed forces cannot believe their ears when we have the Leader of the Opposition saying that they are hanging around doing nothing and the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) swanning off to the States to tell Donald Trump that, if he were Prime Minister, he would blindly follow US defence policy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the first duty of any Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence is our national interest—Britain’s national interest and not anything else?
Minister reply
The first duty of any Government is to defend the country, pursue our national interest and support our armed forces. On this occasion, we had expected and look for better from the Leader of the Opposition.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
I have only been in the House for 21 years, but whenever we talk about defence and when our armed forces are in harm’s way, I have to say that a blame game on either side is not going to save a single life. While we all want to see de-escalation, the Government, I hope, will have learned lessons in the last few weeks and months to prepare for escalation. Is the Defence Secretary aware of the 2024 report by the US director of national intelligence that underlines the stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons that Iran holds, and will he work with friends and allies in the region and the new Syrian Government to identify and deal with those stockpiles? Finally, on Akrotiri and other bases in the region, will he ensure that our armed forces personnel and their families are given the right protective chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear kit?
Minister reply
I am aware of the 2024 report that the right hon. Gentleman cites, and we are aware of those risks. I say to the House that the right hon. Gentleman puts his 21 years as a Member of this House to good effect in the comments that he makes this afternoon.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
We should be deeply alarmed at the sight of US bombers arriving at UK bases ahead of joining President Trump’s bombing of Iran. These attacks violate international law, and the suggestion that these aircraft would be used only for defensive purposes is frankly absurd. Their deployment risks dragging Britain into unlawful attacks and the further loss of civilian life. What assurances can the Secretary of State give this House that UK bases will not be used to facilitate further unlawful attacks and that Britain will not be dragged deeper into an illegal war that the majority of the British public do not support?
Minister reply
British bases will be used by American aircraft for fully lawful and defensive purposes. That is spelled out in the agreement that we have with the US, and it is to destroy Iran’s missile bases, which hold such indiscriminate risk and threat to our personnel and allies in the region.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Protecting livelihoods and limiting the cost of living hit both depend on President Trump ending his war of choice. I doubt he cares a jot about the damage he is doing to our economy, but he does care about his poll numbers. Does the Secretary of State agree, therefore, that it is a matter of national security that every method is used to make it clear to the President that his reputation prior to the midterms is best served by bringing this crisis to a speedy conclusion?
Minister reply
The last thing the right hon. Lady will find me doing is commenting on American political affairs. What she will find me doing as Defence Secretary is putting the protection of British people—military and civilians—bases and allies front and centre.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
US and Israeli strikes on Iran have pushed the region into deeper instability. More than 1,000 civilians, including children, have been killed, Britons remain stranded, and the shock to fuel prices is already being felt at home. The Government were right not to join this illegal war, but will the Secretary of State hold the line against the drumbeat for escalation? Will he commit only to defend British citizens and national security within international law, and not enter an offensive war without the consent of this House?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will have heard me set out in my statement, and in response to other questions, the principles on which the decisions that we have taken are based. They will continue to inform any future decision that we take, as circumstances in this conflict may change.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Nobody supports the armed forces more than I do. The Secretary of State has my full support and respect, as he knows, but I want to ask a simple question. There seems to be some confusion among Government Back Benchers, who think the Government have somehow kept them out of this war. The Government have not kept Britain out of the war: our bases and allies are in the firing line. The Chancellor spoke about the strait of Hormuz and the necessity of taking action where applicable. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the UK will—and, under international law, can—take action against Iranian threats to oil tankers and other facilities in the strait of Hormuz?
Minister reply
We will take the action we need to defend British interests, personnel and civilians. The right hon. Gentleman is right to say that our personnel are at risk—as he puts it, they are in the firing line. I am incredibly proud of the work they are doing not just to protect our bases and each other, but to protect our allies in the region and to lead the co-ordination of defensive operations that help to keep the middle east safe in the face of these Iranian attacks.
Damien Egan
Lab
Bristol North East
Question
The targeting of RAF Akrotiri by Iranian proxies is a direct act of aggression against the United Kingdom. The Iranian regime have repeatedly shown their willingness to export terror internationally across multiple fronts. What steps is the Secretary of State taking with colleagues across Government to ensure Iran poses less of a threat to Britons abroad and in the UK?
Minister reply
Our first priority is British citizens in the region. That is why my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and her team are working so hard to advise and help Britain bring Brits back. My priority is to protect our forces personnel and ensure they can play their role in protecting our allies and British citizens in the region. I recognise that many people have friends and family stranded in the middle east, and are concerned about their future. I am incredibly proud of the role that our armed forces are playing in doing just that.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Question
We all agree that it is important to protect our overseas bases and personnel deployed on operations, and that must include Ukraine. Over the weekend, the MOD posted a video on social media from a British-run military repair facility in Ukraine. It has been taken down, reportedly because it revealed the geolocation of the sensitive site. Will the Secretary of State confirm whether that is correct, and can he assure the House that it will not happen again in relation to Ukraine, the middle east or anywhere we have facilities?
Minister reply
We have taken that video down through an abundance of caution. The last thing that I and the British Government would want to do is put Ukrainians at risk; we would not allow that to happen. I want to ensure that the steps we take in our support of Ukraine—just like those we take in support of our allies in the middle east—reflect our national interests and our duty to protect our own people.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
Question
I talked to people in Exeter over the weekend, and there was very strong support for the Government’s current position of defending British citizens and assets, and—at this point—not going further. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Government’s work to increase defence spending and commitment to new assets, including the new medium helicopter programme, in partnership with Leonardo in the south-west, which will safeguard hundreds of jobs in our region, stands in stark contrast to the record of the Conservative Government?
Minister reply
I do indeed. That contract will not just secure well over 3,000 jobs for the future, but will create opportunities for many more in the years ahead. It is not just a contract to build new medium helicopters in Yeovil; Leonardo has committed to make Yeovil and the UK its global centre for the development and export of military helicopters, and for the development of helicopter autonomy for the future. The contract reinforces and is a great vote of confidence in Britian’s innovation and industrial base.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Question
I mean no discourtesy to the Secretary of State, but in his statement, which lasted for 10 minutes, there was an omission: the murder of 165 young children at a school, which was allegedly targeted by a Tomahawk cruise missile in a double-tap strike. The Government talk about calling out war crimes—in particular, violence against women and girls—but this does very little to support that proposition. Will the Secretary of State condemn that attack? Would he like to explain what he has done to talk to his alleged allies about this particular strike?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will note that we have only the reports from the Iranian regime about the strike. He will be aware that the US is looking into this at present.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
I want to start by paying tribute to Edinburgh’s Iranian community. Despite being concerned about their families in Iran, they have taken time in the past week to host public events, which shared details of Iran’s rich culture and the barbaric nature of its regime. I want to ask a question about HMS Dragon. The maths are quite clear: the ship cost £1 billion, but the Conservatives cut the defence budget by £14 billion. Surely, if they wanted to see more destroyers in the Mediterranean, they should have built the things.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to pay tribute to the Iranian community in his home city of Edinburgh; I echo his comments. He is also right, of course, that in 14 years the Conservatives did not commission a single new destroyer. We have HMS Dragon, which is set to sail this week—in the next couple of days—only because it was commissioned by the previous Labour Government.
Luke Taylor
Lib Dem
Sutton and Cheam
Question
Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war on the Iranian regime has shocked and disgusted our constituents, just like the Iranian regime’s crackdowns on opposition protests for decades. The horrors that we have seen reinforce the feeling in this country that international events are happening to us, and that since Brexit and since Trump re-entered the White House, we have had much less say in our future and security. Will the Secretary of State listen to Liberal Democrat calls to empower us to take back control of our fate by issuing defence bonds, which would raise the cash we need to meet our defence spending, and by rebuilding our place in Europe through deeper co-operation with our European neighbours to reduce our dependence on the mad king in the White House?
Minister reply
I am always interested in ways of getting more funding into defence. That is one of the reasons that I have laid such stress not just on the record increase in defence investment that the Government are making from the public purse, but on ways that we can leverage that with investment from private sources. That is why we have a defence investors advisory group, which will shortly set out its report with proposals that we can pursue.
Shadow Comment
James Cartlidge
Shadow Comment
James Cartlidge, a Conservative MP, thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and the briefing he received from officials. He expressed condolences to the families of the seven US soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict and echoed the Secretary of State's gratitude towards the UK's service personnel. Cartlidge supported the Government's actions to protect RAF Akrotiri and other sovereign bases but criticised the delay in deploying a Type 45 destroyer, questioning the decision-making process and the delay in deployment despite recommendations from the Royal Navy weeks ago. He urged the Secretary of State to clarify the date for HMS Dragon's deployment and to provide more information on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and future Royal Navy asset deployments. Cartlidge also questioned the Government's double standards in denying the US use of UK bases while relying on US forces for protection. He further inquired about the future of UK military bases in Cyprus and Diego Garcia, and the publication of the long-overdue defence investment plan. Cartlidge concluded by stating that the Government's lack of commitment to defence spending undermines Britain's international standing and security.
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