Politics At Sam and Anne's Why Starmer bowed to Trump on Iran
Mar 2, 2026
They unpack the UK allowing US strikes from British bases and the tight legal and political balancing act that created. They cover a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri and the implications for base security. They talk evacuation plans for thousands of Britons in the Gulf and the wider economic risks from rising oil prices and insurance costs.
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UK Justified Base Use As Collective Self Defence
- The UK approved US use of bases citing collective self-defence under UN Charter Article 51.
- Keir Starmer framed the decision as preventing Iran firing missiles at British lives and allies, and published a legal summary to justify it.
Drone Strike At RAF Akrotiri Prompted Limited Relocations
- A drone strike hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus hours after Starmer's announcement, causing no casualties.
- RAF moved non-essential staff and limited relocations, while noting Akrotiri Village residents need not move.
Defensive Framing Broadly Expands UK Involvement
- The government's legal rationale stretches 'defensive' to include degrading enemy capabilities, which increases UK exposure to risk.
- Using Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford as part of operations draws UK assets into being direct targets, per Politico reporting.