The State of It How Starmer's Iran response alienates everybody
Mar 3, 2026
Inside Number 10's Iran deliberations and how a cautious foreign policy strategy ends up pleasing no one. The legal and logistical dilemmas of UK involvement in Gulf strikes and risks to British nationals. How Gulf pressure and energy worries could hit the economy and the Treasury. The Greens' surprise by-election win and what it means for Labour, Reform and a shifting multi-party vote.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Starmer's Tightrope On Iran Backfires
- Keir Starmer's Iran stance tries to thread a narrow line between opposing regime-change strikes and later allowing defensive US use of UK bases.
- That balancing has left him appearing to alienate both progressive voters worried about Iraq-style interventions and pro-US allies like Donald Trump.
Delay To Allow Base Use Strained Gulf Relations
- The UK authorised US use of Diego Garcia and RAF Akrotiri on a defensive basis after chaotic 48-hour deliberations as British nationals and assets were threatened.
- That delay angered Gulf partners and raised immediate economic and trade risks for Rachel Reeves' agenda.
Prepare For Pressure To Join Active Strikes
- Expect pressure for Britain to move from a permissive to an active military role because legal advice now allows self-defence strikes on Iranian missile sites.
- Plan contingencies for tens of thousands of Brits stranded in Gulf airspace closures instead of risky mass convoys.