The Rest Is Politics 511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)
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Mar 11, 2026 Tony Blair’s comments add fresh drama to Keir Starmer’s tightrope act over Iran and Trump. The conversation digs into cabinet leaks, Europe’s struggle to stand up to Washington, and Britain’s weakened military position. It also explores life inside Iran, the regime’s likely next moves, and how the conflict may strengthen Netanyahu at home.
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The Narrative Europe Needs Against Trump
- The hosts argue middle powers need a joint narrative for distancing themselves from Trump without turning every disagreement into a public brawl.
- Rory Stewart says the message should be that America told Europe to stand on its own feet, and now Europe is doing exactly that.
Build A Values Coalition Beyond America
- Alastair Campbell says the stronger answer to Trump is not just anti-American posture but a positive coalition built around values, law, and shared economic rules.
- He points to the Carney-Modi statement as a model: a detailed agreement that answers Trumpism without obsessively naming Trump.
Britain's Hollowed Out Military Limits Its Options
- Britain's military weakness now sharply limits any independent response, even as politicians demand toughness abroad.
- The hosts say force numbers fell from 321,000 in 1993 to about 125,680 today, while naval capacity looks reduced to scraps like HMS Dragon.
