Today in Focus Starmer, Trump and the shaky ‘special relationship’
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Mar 5, 2026 Rafael Behr, political columnist and commentator on UK foreign policy, analyzes the fallout from US strikes on Iran. He dissects Starmer’s cautious legal stance, the shift from denying bases to allowing defensive use, and how dependence on the US shapes decisions. He also compares European responses and warns about mission creep and political costs.
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Starmer's Legalism Then Pragmatism
- Keir Starmer initially refused US use of RAF bases citing legality and wariness, signalling a cautious, law-first stance.
- Within 48 hours he allowed defensive use after Iranian reprisals made protecting UK territory and personnel unavoidable.
Special Relationship Drives UK Restraint
- Starmer's calculus is dominated by preserving the US relationship because UK defence systems and intelligence are deeply enmeshed with Washington.
- Losing US support could expose post‑Brexit Britain to severe security and economic risks, so Starmer limits public confrontation.
Trump's Volatility Raises Real Risks
- Trump's public rebukes (calling Starmer 'no Churchill' etc.) create unpredictable diplomatic pressure but may be more rhetorical than policy‑binding.
- That volatility raises the risk of sudden trade or tech retaliation that the UK cannot easily counter.