Keir Starmer has defended the Government’s cautious response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, stating that protecting British nationals remains the country’s highest priority. During Prime Minister’s Questions he rejected calls from Kemi Badenoch for Britain to take direct offensive action after Iranian attacks targeted Western-linked bases in the region, including facilities in Bahrain and Cyprus where British personnel were present. Starmer argued that the UK should not enter a war without a clear legal basis and a carefully considered strategy. Although the Government declined to participate in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Britain has allowed US forces to use UK bases for defensive operations and has strengthened its regional presence. Additional air defence systems, radar, counter-drone capabilities, Royal Navy assets, and F-35 aircraft are being deployed to protect personnel and allies. The Government has also arranged charter flights to evacuate British citizens from the region as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.