AG百家乐在线官网

Starmer could allow Trump use of British bases to attack Iran, says Harriet Harman

The prime minister was part of a generation "shaped" by opposition to the Iraq War, Harriet Harman says.

Friday 20 June 2025 05:38, UK

Spreaker This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Spreaker cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Spreaker cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Why you can trust Sky News

Sir Keir Starmer could end up allowing Donald Trump to use British bases to launch strikes on Iran, Harriet Harman has said.

Speaking to Beth Rigby on the , Baroness Harman said this was despite the prime minister being part of a generation "shaped" by opposition to the Iraq War.

Baroness Harman was solicitor general when Sir Tony Blair decided to take Britain to war in Iraq alongside the United States in 2003.

She said the decisions made by Sir Tony would be "burning bright" in Sir Keir's mind.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer discuss politics during the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change's Future of Britain Conference in central London. Picture date: Tuesday July 18, 2023.
Image: Tony Blair's decision to go to war in Iraq will be 'burning bright' in the PM's mind, Baroness Harman said. Pic: PA

"He's part of the political generation of the Labour Party that grew up, which was shaped by its opposition to what Tony Blair was doing in relation to Iraq," Baroness Harman said.

"So it would be a massive change for him."

More on Donald Trump

Related Topics:

Asked if the UK could end up giving permission for US aircraft to use British military bases on Cyprus and Diego Garcia, but not go any further than that, Baroness Harman said: "Exactly".

Soldiers guard the security gate of RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus, September 30, 2024. REUTERS/Elias Marcou
Image: Soldiers guard the security gate of RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus. File pic: Reuters

Read more:
'Questions' on legality of Israel's actions in Iran
Donald Trump 'may or may not' strike Iran

Sky News reported on Thursday that Attorney General Richard Hermer has raised questions over whether Israel's actions in Iran are lawful, potentially limiting what support he believes the UK could offer the US.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Baroness Harman said that for Sir Keir, the "rules-based international order is the most important thing".

"If the attorney general says that the government can't do something because it's illegal, it can't do it. So he's in a very crucial position," she added.

Harriet Harman (R) told Beth Rigby she thought Sir Keir Starmer's reaction to Liz Saville Roberts was not the way to go
Image: Harriet Harman (R) with Beth Rigby

But Baroness Harman said it would be difficult for Sir Keir to say "thank you for the trade deal" to Mr Trump and then deny the president use of the airbases.

Remember, you can also watch us on

Related Topics