Oh God, What Now? The Special Abusive Relationship – Starmer trapped in Trump’s Iran Nightmare
Mar 6, 2026
Rafael Behr, political columnist and author; Marie Le Conte, writer and cultural commentator; Jonn Elledge, political commentator. They dissect Trump’s Iran strikes and how Starmer navigates a fraught UK‑US relationship. They debate right‑wing press fervour, limited British agency in foreign policy, the Greens’ by‑election shock and what it means for Labour and the legacy parties.
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Episode notes
War Risk Makes OBR Forecasts Fragile
- Economic forecasts now carry big caveats because Middle East war risks push up inflation and energy prices.
- Jonn Elledge notes OBR headlines are downbeat: slower growth, higher inflation, less chance of interest rate cuts.
Left United In Predictable Condemnation
- The left reacted predictably to the Iran strikes: condemn the US, oppose use of UK facilities, call for arms suspensions.
- Marie Le Conte notes Labour and Greens issued strong statements framing Trump as an unpredictable threat.
UK Has Little Strategic Autonomy
- Britain’s limited agency constrains how far Starmer can oppose the US without risking security and economic fallout.
- Panelists stress dependence on US defence, intelligence and tech makes a full break impractical.
