Thank you to everyone who has written to me about the US and Israeli air assault against Iran. I share your serious concerns about this war and strongly back the Prime Minister’s decision not to support the bombing campaign – a point I made clear in a recent media appearance, which you can watch a clip of by clicking here.
I know the long shadow cast by the legacy of the Iraq War, and am determined – especially as a Labour politician – to ensure that the grim lessons of that era have been learned. I am deeply concerned that the US and Israel do not appear to have a clear plan for political transition now that the Ayatollah is dead, and that they have seriously misjudged the likelihood of the Iranian regime collapsing. Indeed, there is a strong risk that a consequence of this military action is a hardening of the Iranian regime into something even more poisonous and hardline for the Iranian people and around the world.
Even if the regime does collapse, it seems unlikely to me that a democratic transition would follow, with the possibility of sectarian conflict, bloodshed, and chaos a real possibility – as was seen in the aftermath of the fall of Saddam Hussein. Ultimately it must be for the Iranian people to decide their own future, but if anything that prospect now feels further away than ever. I am also appalled by reports of civilian deaths, including the tragic bombing on an Iranian girls’ school.
That is why I strongly support the Prime Minister’s decision not to join the US and Israeli offensive, and to refuse permission for the US to use British military bases to launch this bombing campaign. I absolutely back Keir Starmer’s explicit statement that our Labour government does not support “regime change from the skies.”
I am deeply troubled that both Reform UK and the Conservatives gave their full-throated backing to this war, and immediately and unquestioningly demanded the UK fall in behind Donald Trump’s bombing campaign – something I have raised in parliament. I do not believe that would have been in our national interest, and I am proud that the Prime Minister stood up to President Trump in refusing to do so. The first responsibility of government should always be to do what is in the UK national interest – especially when it comes to deciding to launch military action – even if that means breaking with a key ally in doing so.
It has been horrifying to see as a consequence of this war UK troops and their families around the region, as well as UK holidaymakers and expats in places like Dubai, come under fire from Iranian drones and rockets. It is therefore right that the Prime Minister granted permission for the US to use our bases to target the source of those attacks, strictly limited to defensive action only. While I deeply regret that this was ever necessary, that was absolutely the right thing to do to keep British citizens safe.
I am also deeply concerned about the damage inflicted on the global economy by this war, with the closing of the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz sending oil and gas prices rocketing. This could have serious consequences for inflation in the UK, inflicting pain on UK consumers at a time when Britain has not fully recovered from the oil and gas price crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine.
The prospect of the British public facing a second fossil fuel price shock in less than five years has only strengthened my resolve that the UK must do all it can to make the switch to secure, homegrown, and stable renewable energy as quickly as possible. I am proud that our government is leading the way on that mission.
I am also pleased that the Chancellor has said she is looking at a range of options for how to protect the UK public from the impact of a price shock. That includes already having announced £53 million in support for households reliant on fuel oil, and the expediting of plans to allow retailers to sell plug-in solar panels to help people cut their bills. The government are also launching a crackdown on petrol retailers to prevent them profiteering, and have confirmed they are keeping the level of fuel duty under review.
I want to reassure you that the energy price cap means energy bills are protected until July, giving the government time to assess the situation as it develops. The Chancellor has confirmed she is carefully looking at all options should support for households be necessary, targeted at those who are struggling.
But ultimately it is vital that the UK does all it can to push for deescalation and a diplomatic solution as quickly as possible so we can get that vital shipping lane reopened, stop the bloodshed, and reverse the economic damage this war has caused as quickly as possible. Please rest assured that I will continue to do all I can as your MP to support the government’s efforts to stand up for Britain’s national interest, protect hardworking families, and bring this war to an end.