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Middle East
23 March 2026
Lead MP
John Healey
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceEconomyCommunity SecurityForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
John Healey raised concerns about middle east 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
Defence Secretary John Healey updated the House on UK military operations in the Middle East, expressing disgust over an antisemitic attack in north London. The statement emphasised three principles guiding UK actions: defensive measures to strengthen collective defence, coordination with allies including NATO and other partners, and ensuring a legal basis for decisions. Iran's aggression was highlighted, noting it has attacked 12 countries since the start of the war, firing over 3,500 missiles and drones. Healey confirmed two Iranian missiles were launched towards Diego Garcia but fell short. The UK’s defensive operations include pre-positioning Typhoons, F-35s, counter-drone teams, radars, air defences in the region since January. More than 900 flying hours have been completed by RAF and Navy pilots to defend allies. Additional resources including jets and a warship were committed to the area. Taskforce Sabre was established with industry partners to support Gulf partners. Concerning Hormuz, Healey mentioned Iran's actions affecting free navigation and economic impacts, emphasising UK readiness to contribute to securing the strait.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
What are the implications of US President's latest remarks on deferring strikes on power plants? What further naval capability will be deployed to secure Hormuz?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State did not provide specific details in his statement and would need to review the implications of the US President's statements. Regarding naval capabilities, efforts are underway with allies to develop options for securing Hormuz, including accelerating new minehunting and drone technology.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Why did it take so long to confirm the attack on Diego Garcia? Does this imply Iran’s missiles could reach Europe?
Minister reply
Details were confirmed based on intelligence assessments, and while one missile was intercepted by a US destroyer before confirmation, UK officials prioritised thorough verification.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
What are the upgrades to Sea Viper systems and procurement of missiles for Type 45s?
Minister reply
The Ministry is exploring urgent procurement through reserve funding, including lightweight multi-role missile orders. Acceleration of Sea Viper Evolution upgrades would be considered if necessitated by operational requirements.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
When will the Defence Investment Plan be published?
Minister reply
The publication timeline is under review, and options including early release during purdah are being considered if not by recess.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
May I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, and for the briefing I received from his officials this afternoon? I join him in putting on record my utter condemnation of the arson attack committed in Golders Green last night. On behalf of the Opposition, I offer our sympathy to all who were affected and to the wider Jewish community. I also join the Secretary of State in expressing our condolences to the families of all allied personnel who have lost their lives in the current conflict, and in thanking the police for preventing potentially serious nefarious activity at Faslane. The potential economic ramifications for our constituents from Iran’s aggressive closure of the strait of Hormuz should concern us all. In that context, can the Defence Secretary tell the House what he understands to be the implications of the US President’s latest remarks, specifically on deferring strikes on power plants? Can he also tell us what further naval capability he intends to deploy to assist in securing the strait of Hormuz?
Minister reply
I welcome the shadow Secretary of State’s initial comments about the loss of French and US personnel, and I recognise and respect those. He asked me, first, about the comments from President Trump today. I am sure the whole House will welcome President Trump’s statement today, with its recognition that there is progress in conversations about the “COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST”, and his instruction to hold off further strikes against Iranian power plants. That creates the opportunity and opening for further de-escalation, and the onus is now on Iran to respond.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
The shadow Secretary of State went on to the strikes that I have reported on, or the missiles fired in the direction of, Diego Garcia. Is it correct that the US intercepted this missile before the Government decided on Saturday to grant the US further permission for the use of our bases? Does this not once again underline Labour’s extraordinary double standards in that, until their latest U-turn, the Government had been relying on the US to defend us while denying it the use of our bases?
Minister reply
I just say to him that we have been blunt and open about the threat Iran poses—the threat it poses to British nationals, British bases and British interests and partners—and to suggest otherwise is completely false. That is why we have been conducting the defensive operations throughout the region since day one of this war. Those missiles were fired towards Diego Garcia early on Friday morning, the same day I offered the shadow Defence Secretary the chance to come into the MOD for a secure briefing.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
There is, of course, a problem. In a written answer about Sea Viper Evolution that I received in January, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry responded: “Continued progress…remains subject to”—guess what?—“the Defence Investment Plan.” Given that there are once again just four sitting days left before recess and that he must know his diary for the week ahead, can he tell us whether the defence investment plan will be published before the rise of the House on Thursday, and if not, will he publish it during purdah?
Minister reply
We are working to finalise the DIP, but he was, of course, the Defence Minister who left 47 out of 49 major defence programmes not on budget, not on time. He was the one who left a defence programme that was over-committed, underfunded and deeply unsuited to the threats we now face.
Diane Abbott
Lab
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
The Iranian regime is a threat to us all, not least to its own population. I implore Ministers to remember the importance of a debate in Parliament, just as we had on Iraq, if we move further in our involvement with Trump’s war.
Minister reply
The Mother of the House speaks with long and deep experience of these matters. I would just say to her that the Prime Minister himself has said that while we are taking “the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.”
James MacCleary
Lib Dem
Greenwich and Woolwich
Question
MacCleary questions the expansion of rights for US planes to use UK bases, arguing it risks drawing Britain into further conflict. He calls on the Secretary of State to clarify legal advice received by the Government regarding this decision and proposes legislation to ensure monitoring of US sorties from these bases.
Minister reply
John Healey asserts that the actions taken are based on principles for defending UK interests, allies, and personnel in the region. He notes there has been no change in defensive principles and emphasises that any permissions granted are restricted to operations aimed at striking capabilities threatening British interests.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Halton
Question
Twigg acknowledges progress made by the Government on improving armed forces funding but expresses concern about further commitments exacerbating strain and sustainability issues. He asks what discussions are taking place to accelerate defence spending to at least 3% of GDP in this Parliament.
Minister reply
John Healey reassures Twigg, highlighting increased investment since the election under his government. The Minister acknowledges rising demands on defence and commits to spending more faster.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Lewis suggests comparing current defence expenditure with cold war levels rather than post-cold war years, questioning the sustainability of leasing Diego Garcia from Mauritius instead of acquiring sovereignty.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms that the negotiated deal provides greater protections and operational sovereignty for 99 years. The Minister asserts this arrangement is central to UK and US security around the world.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Hemsworth
Question
Trickett questions the legality of authorising heavy payloads without parliamentary consent, seeking protocols with the US to ensure bombers operate within legal boundaries. He emphasises the risk of slipping from defence into offence.
Minister reply
John Healey reiterates permissions are for defensive purposes striking at capabilities threatening UK interests and allies. The Minister highlights diplomatic efforts led by the Prime Minister to de-escalate tensions.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Question
Barclay points out a contradiction between strengthening collective defence and delaying the publication of the Defence Investment Plan. He warns that delay may stoke inflation, undermining planned spending.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms work is underway to finalise the plan but notes important decisions have been made regardless. The Minister highlights over 1,200 major contracts let since the election, benefiting British businesses and reinforcing innovation.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leeds North East
Question
Bailey questions the availability of Type 45s without apology for Conservative cuts in 2010. He emphasises the need to support Ukraine against Russia, highlighting technological proliferation risks.
Minister reply
John Healey agrees and reiterates that during Conservative tenure, significant defence budget cuts were implemented. The Minister reaffirms commitment to stepping up support for Ukraine.
Richard Foord
Con
North East Hertfordshire
Question
Foord asks about investing in cultural capability alongside military hardware, highlighting the need to understand adversary war aims and beliefs.
Minister reply
John Healey expresses confusion over the term 'cultural capability' but invites further clarification through correspondence.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
Yasin calls for firmness in resisting US influence when British interests and global stability are at risk, urging not to be drawn into wider conflict.
Minister reply
John Healey reiterates that while necessary actions will be taken to defend UK interests and allies, the government will not become involved in a broader war.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
The Secretary of State is right that we all breathed a sigh of relief this morning at the American President stepping back from the abyss of an attack on Iran’s power network. However, it remains the case that just a few days ago a projectile fell within 350 metres of Iran’s only nuclear power station. If it were to come to our attention that, in an era of irrational decision making, an attack against that nuclear power station was contemplated, with the catastrophic effect that would have on the region, what steps would we take to prevent that attack?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is an old hand in this House and has served in security posts. He expects me not to speculate on future hypothetical scenarios but emphasises the importance of diplomacy and urgent de-escalation based on President Trump’s declaration.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for this detailed update. Further to his earlier comments, it is really important that our constituents understand how serious this is. How confident is he that the President will stick to that five-day pledge and give a chance for the urgent de-escalation that our economy and our world needs?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a strong case for an early end to this conflict, emphasising the severe potential impact on the world economy and UK families and businesses. The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting today to look at the economic impacts of the conflict.
Question
I remind the House that RAF Fairford is in my constituency, so it is with grave concern that I note the news of two missiles being aimed at Diego Garcia. The Prime Minister previously pledged that we will not be drawn into the wider war, yet we have already shifted from the defensive to the offensive use of air bases on UK land. As almost 60% of the British public oppose the use of RAF bases in this war, will the Secretary of State commit to bringing back to this House the opportunity for open debate and full transparency?
Minister reply
Statements such as this are an opportunity for Members to express views. The hon. Lady is wrong: there has been no shift on permissions granted to the US, which remain defensive and limited to defending our ships, bases and interests.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. Despite talk of a “complete and total” resolution of hostilities from across the Atlantic, I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Ms Creasy) that we cannot give false comfort to our constituents that there will not be lasting economic and military consequences. What detail can the Secretary of State give us, and when, on the leading role that he sees the UK playing in keeping the strait of Hormuz open?
Minister reply
The UK is ready to play a leading role in securing resumption of commercial shipping through the strait of Hormuz with allies. We have put military planners into US Central Command and are preparing all options, including those necessary for freedom of passage.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Elmet and Rothwell
Question
Further to the answer the Secretary of State has just given, he has confirmed to the House this afternoon that mines have been laid in the strait of Hormuz. Therefore, one of the biggest problems—whether there was a cessation of violence overnight—will be getting vessels insured. How quickly can the Secretary of State give the other side of that coin to the markets and the insurance companies?
Minister reply
I cannot give a timescale but we are contributing to developing all options, including multinational support. The test will be decisions by commercial shipowners, crews and insurers regarding resuming trade through the strait.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
What Donald Trump said at the weekend was that unless the strait was opened, he would obliterate Iran’s power plants. I agree that attacking a nuclear plant could be extremely catastrophic. On that basis, while I join the Secretary of State in hoping that the next five days secure peace, may I ask him to confirm that UK bases will not be used to attack power plants?
Minister reply
The permissions for US use of UK bases are defensive and do not include striking Iranian power plants. Those principles of legal basis and collective self-defence with allies will continue to inform our decisions.
Question
One thing that unites the Prime Minister of Israel and the supreme leader of Iran is that neither could care less about what the UK Prime Minister says, and it is difficult to imagine that the US President is not in a similar camp. What can the Secretary of State offer, over and above the vacuous calls for de-escalation, to ensure that people on these islands are protected from the ferocious effects of this war on the supply of energy?
Minister reply
I am disappointed by the hon. Gentleman's comments but recognise the UK’s contribution to collective defence of allies. The Prime Minister will consider extra oil release and support for those using heating oil, and has chaired a Cobra meeting today.
Question
I put on record my thanks to the British armed forces, which are working round the clock to defend British interests and British people. My constituents have made it clear that they want no part in the wider war being waged by the US and Israel, but at the same time, they expect the robust defence of British interests and personnel. Will the Secretary of State reassure the House that the UK will play its full part in the defence of Diego Garcia should another such missile attack take place?
Minister reply
We will defend British personnel and bases as we always have done. RAF pilots have flown nearly 900 hours during this conflict, and there are more British jets in the region than for 15 years.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Ruskin
Question
Raises concerns about the flawed assessment of Iran's intent and capability, questions actions taken to challenge thinking internally and support British overseas territories in reinforcing defences.
Minister reply
Reassures that military co-operation with Cyprus is closer than ever before; highlights steps taken pre-war to reinforce defences in Cyprus.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Wood Green
Question
Asks for assurances regarding Government's consideration of not just British personnel but the wider Cypriot family.
Minister reply
Confirms steps taken to protect British personnel also help defend the entire Republic of Cyprus.
Al Pinkerton
Lab
Great Grimsby
Question
Inquires about the distance Iranian rockets came from to Diego Garcia and MOD's assessment on Iran’s missile capacity.
Minister reply
Confirms missiles fell short; does not disclose specific capabilities of adversaries like Iran due to security reasons.
Darren Paffey
Con
St Helens South and Weaver
Question
Commends brave servicemen and women for protecting British citizens at home and abroad, asks about the sufficiency of resources for those facing Iranian aggression.
Minister reply
Reassures that highest levels of force protection are in place; Chief of Joint Operations reviews these daily.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Calls for proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to ease security services' work against Iranian threats.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that British services have foiled around 20 sabotage or assassination plots with Iranian involvement; decision on proscription is under review.
Luke Charters
Con
Farnham
Question
Asks about Government's work to bolster UK and Ukrainian drone interceptor production against Shahed drones.
Minister reply
Proud of British-made interceptors in skies above Ukraine; looks forward to mass production for further deployment.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Questions the Prime Minister's handling of leaking sensitive information from the National Security Council.
Minister reply
Reassures that Prime Minister is taking necessary actions to prevent such occurrences.
Question
Inquires about support for families of those serving in the Middle East, particularly given recent incidents with US and French personnel.
Minister reply
Reassures that a system is in place to provide necessary support for families back home.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Asks about significance of upcoming Palestinian elections in building peace in the Middle East, requests deployment of independent observers.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of these elections; will do everything possible to ensure fair and safe elections.
Question
Questions use of Scottish airports for US military operations in illegal war, asks who has authority to stop such usage.
Minister reply
Clarifies that there is no evidence of Prestwick airport being used for US bombing strikes.
Question
Remarks on procedural matter and swallows a fly; questions the tug of war between UK and Scottish governments regarding defence spending.
Minister reply
Discusses Government's commitment to increasing defence spending over the past 18 months.
Laura Kyrke-Smith
Green
Wansbeck
Question
The humanitarian implications of this war are already severe. In Lebanon, 1 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including Palestinian and Syrian refugees who had found safety in the south of Lebanon, but who are now being forced to flee for their lives again. Meanwhile, the airspace closures in the Gulf and the closure of the strait of Hormuz are affecting global humanitarian supply chains. For example, the International Rescue Committee has warned that $130,000 of pharmaceutical supplies for Sudan are now stuck in Dubai. What is the Secretary of State doing to support access to humanitarian relief during this crisis?
Minister reply
That issue is a part of the discussions, particularly those being undertaken by the Foreign Secretary and her team, that we are having with Gulf nations and with Lebanon, and the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Lebanese Prime Minister in recent days.
Ellie Chowns
Lab
Hammersmith
Question
The expansion of US use of UK bases announced over the weekend represents an escalation of UK involvement in this war. At a time when we all agree that de-escalation is urgently needed, we are being dragged into Trump’s illegal, reckless war, with huge ramifications for the region and for households in this country. Last week, the Secretary of State said that he would get involved only if there was a “viable, collective plan”, but where is that plan? This afternoon, the Prime Minister said to the Liaison Committee that we must beware of ‘the false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this’ conflict. Given all that, when will we have a Commons vote on the escalating UK involvement in this illegal and reckless war?
Minister reply
I reject almost everything that the hon. Lady has said. We will not get drawn into a wider war. The decisions that we are taking are de-escalatory and defensive, not escalatory, and we will work in whatever way we can to bring an early end to this conflict.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Dartford
Question
The long-range missile attacks have raised the spectre in my mind, and surely in those of others, of attacks on the United Kingdom. I have listened to the Secretary of State’s reassurances about the defence of this country, but we have all seen the value of the Iron Dome. What is being done to create such a system for the defence of this country?
Minister reply
An extra £1 billion is being put now into integrated air and missile defence for Britain. That was not part of the previous Government’s plans and it stems directly from the assessment that the strategic defence review set out when we published it last year.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Given that it takes about a month to move a minor war vessel from Portsmouth to the Gulf, and notwithstanding the meetings that the Secretary of State says that he is having with allies about ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait, would it be a good idea to start shifting those minehunters now, so that when he has the results of his discussions, which I hope will be a bit more than just handwringing, we will be in a position to genuinely do something in an area that we are actually really rather good at?
Minister reply
The House will have heard me say that we already have autonomous minehunting capabilities in the region and we are looking to reinforce them. I guess the right hon. Gentleman now regrets being part of a Government that in 2021 accelerated the out-of-commission dates of some of the minehunters.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Wolverhampton East
Question
Under international law, the use of force is permitted for “individual or collective self-defence” against “an armed attack”. Such use of force must satisfy the requirements of proportionality and necessity. In light of the broadening use of British military bases at the request of Donald Trump over the past week, will the Defence Secretary clarify for the British public how this satisfies those requirements? If the lessons of Iraq are to be learned, surely he must understand that the British public will not accept anything other than a parliamentary debate and vote on any further British military involvement.
Minister reply
I reassure my hon. Friend, as she invites me to, that the permissions that we have given are for operations that are defensive, in the sense that they are directed only at Iranian missile capabilities that are being used to attack British interests, British allies and British shipping, including red-ensign-flagged vessels in the strait of Hormuz.
Sarah Bool
Lab
Warrington North
Question
Much old ground has been gone over by the Secretary of State, but our service personnel live in the here and now. The defence investment plan is absolutely vital for their future, whether we are talking about operations in the field, or upgrading housing for their families—a subject that we are discussing in the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill. Given that he did not answer the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries and Galloway (John Cooper), may I ask if “working flat out” means that the DIP will be published in days, weeks or months?
Minister reply
'Working flat out' means working flat out, and we are working flat out to finalise the defence investment plan.
Josh Fenton-Glynn
Green
Norwich North
Question
May I commend our current position of not being drawn further into the US and Israeli operation in Iran? Can the Secretary of State confirm that we will continue to avoid any escalation, and will act only in ways that are in defence of British personnel and interests?
Minister reply
I can indeed. My hon. Friend is right: our purpose is the defence of British personnel, our bases, our interests and our allies in the region. We will continue to make decisions and take action based on principles that are defensive and legal, and in co-ordination with our allies.
Greg Smith
Con
East Yorkshire
Question
On top of the direct attacks by Iran, its principal proxy in the region, Hezbollah, continues to defy the Lebanese Government by using Lebanon as a base from which to fire rockets into Israeli civilian populations. What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking, in conjunction with the Lebanese Government, to help them dismantle this absolute cancer in Lebanon? More importantly, what steps are being taken to ensure that infrastructure built in Lebanon in recent years using British taxpayers’ money is categorically not being used for any of those attacks?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to draw the attention of the House to Lebanon. Like him, I am gravely concerned about the conflict and the situation there. Like him, I strongly condemn the Hezbollah attacks on Israel, and they must stop, but the forced displacement of 1 million people due to Israel’s operations is unacceptable. There must be diplomatic action to prevent this conflict from widening. For that purpose, the Foreign Secretary has spoken recently to the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Lebanese Prime Minister.
Harlow
Question
I know that the people of Harlow will want me to echo the Secretary of State’s comments about our brave personnel and the work that they do to keep us safe every single day. Listening to his statement, it struck me that it is hugely important that our bases here and abroad are safe. Can he outline what he is doing to ensure that the security of our bases is paramount, and that any organisation that seeks to break into our bases faces the full strength of the law?
Minister reply
I can indeed. I appreciate my hon. Friend’s concern. We are investing in more counter-drone technology and more closed circuit television, and we are tightening up the base security arrangements. My hon. Friend the Armed Forces Minister has taken personal charge of this operation.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Donald Trump may have paused his escalation of aggressive attacks, but we know that the conflict is not over. The Secretary of State said that US access to British bases is restrained by the principle that such use is defensive only. The public have the right to know what safeguards exist. What follow-up checks are made to verify that this use is indeed defensive only?
Minister reply
The safeguard is the established system of granting access, basing and overflight. That established system builds in—not just afterwards—the reassurance, checks and controls required to ensure that when the US takes advantage of the permissions that we have given, it does so within those permissions.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Lab
Cardiff North
Question
I pay tribute to all the personnel at RAF Wyton, who are doing incredible round-the-clock work to analyse exactly what is going on in this conflict in the middle east. The Secretary of State talks about missile defence for the UK. I appreciate that he has had his Weetabix this morning, but can I gently remind him that he was a Minister in the last Labour Government, who halved the number of Type 45 destroyers, meaning that we do not have enough? They also equipped them with WR-21 engines, and as a result, we have only one that is currently seaworthy, HMS Dragon. The Security Minister, who is also sitting on the Front Bench, told me last week that the Government were informed in advance of the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Could the Secretary of State confirm how far in advance the Government were informed of those attacks? Was it hours, days, or weeks?
Minister reply
I am not prepared to disclose that sort of data, but the hon. Gentleman should judge us by our actions, and well ahead of this war breaking out, we reinforced Britain’s defences in the region. Turning to HMS Dragon, we only have it available to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean because it was ordered by a Labour Government, and over 14 years, Conservative Governments did not order a single new destroyer.
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
While the Government have set out their military approach in some detail, there remains far less clarity on the diplomatic strategy that must eventually bring this conflict to an end. Can the Secretary of State set out what the UK is doing to get all sides back to the negotiating table? As we do so, how will the Government ensure that we do not simply follow President Trump down a path that risks replacing one brutal regime with another, rather than securing democracy and freedom for the Iranian people?
Minister reply
First and foremost, we are ensuring that we can protect British interests in the region. We are looking to protect our allies in the region, and everything we do is in co-ordination with our partners in the region. I hope the hon. Lady takes some encouragement from the announcement that we helped to co-ordinate and publish at the end of last week about the importance of opening the strait of Hormuz, which has now been signed by 29 other nations.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Does the Secretary of State have contacts at US Central Command that can give reassurance that there is a plan? The President’s social media feed gives the opposite impression. Is Britain at war?
Minister reply
Yes to the first question; no to the second.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Iran's actions against the UK and its allies, including attacks on bases, require full support to the US and Israel in destroying this regime.
Minister reply
The Government has agreed to US requests for co-ordination on defensive operations.
Question
What are the UK's plans for a post-conflict region where Iran retains the upper hand?
Minister reply
The UK will work with allies to de-escalate conflict and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Question
Should there be a parliamentary debate for Members to vote on whether UK bases should be used?
Minister reply
The Government's decisions have been taken for defensive purposes and in co-ordination with allies, allowing ample opportunities for discussion.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll and Bute
Question
Why is the UK facilitating Trump’s illegal war by using RAF bases? Have threats faced by the population been reassessed?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman's assertions are rejected; decisions have a sound legal basis, aiming to protect British interests and allies.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How will the Minister rebuild relationships with American allies and secure decisive action?
Minister reply
The UK's military and security relationship with the US continues despite political ups and downs, as evidenced by recent communications between leaders.
Shadow Comment
James Cartlidge
Shadow Comment
Shadow Secretary of State James Cartlidge acknowledged Iran’s threat to Hormuz and its implications for the global economy. He questioned the delay in confirming Diego Garcia's attack and sought details on further naval capabilities deployment. Acknowledging Rapid Sentry's effectiveness, he pressed for faster procurement of air defence missiles and upgrades to Sea Viper systems. Concerning delays in publishing the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), Cartlidge urged acceleration or early publication during purdah if not by recess. He also criticised Labour’s Chagos deal as undermining Diego Garcia’s security.
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