Keir Starmer holds emergency meeting as Iran war sparks cost of living fears

Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “Keir Starmer had the chance today to show leadership, but instead defaulted to his usual vague answers and evasion.

“It was clear from this performance this afternoon that he doesn’t have a plan or backbone to defend British bases or interests.

“Only the Conservatives have the team, plan and leader with a backbone to reinstate the two-child benefit cap and spend the proceeds on defence.”

Rachel Reeves set out steps she will take to help protect working people from "unfair price rises" in a Cobra meeting, No 10 said.

The Prime Minister chaired the meeting on this afternoon during which the Chancellor spoke about what she will announce in a statement to Parliament tomorrow.

Ms Reeves, Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband gave updates on the situation and stressed that de-escalation and ending the Iran conflict was "the best thing we can do for the economy", Downing Street said in a readout.

Iran's ambassador to the UK has been summoned by the Foreign Office over his country's "reckless and destabilising actions" in Britain and overseas.

Seyed Ali Mousavi was called into the Foreign Office after an Iranian and a British-Iranian dual national were accused of carrying out hostile surveillance on London's Jewish community.

The Foreign Office said the UK takes the threat posed by Iran and its proxies "extremely seriously".

Warship HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, the Defence Secretary said, almost three weeks after its deployment was first announced.

John Healey told MPs the Type 45 air defence destroyer, which left Portsmouth earlier this month, will begin "operational integration into Cyprus's defence" later today.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the destroyer would leave the UK for the Mediterranean earlier this month, after RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone.

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the Iran war is "not our war, and we are not getting dragged into this war".

The PM was asked by the Liaison Committee to explain what he was doing to de-escalate the conflict.

He said: "On Iran, the principles I've applied throughout is that for any UK action, there must be a lawful basis, and a viable and thought-through plan. That is why we didn't join the original offensive strikes.

"It is why we did take defensive action, collective self-defensive action on our own behalf, when it came to the work that we are doing with our allies in the region, taking missiles out that are coming from Iran. It is also why we allowed our bases to be used for the purposes of collective self-defence.

"But that's an important divide. So collective self-defence, yes, we've taken appropriate action. But this is not our war, and we are not getting dragged into this war."

Joining a European Union defence fund will "certainly be on the agenda" of an upcoming summit involving the UK and EU and "intensive discussions" have been had about how to move forward, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Asked about the Security Action for Europe (Safe) partnership on defence procurement, the Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee: "It will certainly be on the agenda.

"I think what we may see is the next stage of Safe, or the next iteration of Safe, and I think it was disappointing that we weren't involved in the first stage.

"I think a number of our partners in Europe think it was disappointing and we've had quite intensive discussions about how we can improve on that as we go forward, and therefore as we head towards that summit, it will be one of the issues of discussion."

Sir Keir Starmer had a tense exchange with Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin during his appearance on the Liaison Committee.

The Tory MP warned the Government had a "lack of war-fighting mentality".

Asked why the Government was not on a war footing, the PM said: "Because the strategic review commits us to a war footing, and we now need to put the funding in place to increase defence spending to 2.5%, something that didn't happen under the last government, and where at the election a credible proposition wasn't put forward by your party."

Sir Keir Starmer was asked if he was "embarrassed" that Britain was unable to immediately send a warship after the Iran war kicked off.

The Prime Minister faced criticism over the time it took to deploy HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean region to protect a UK military base in Cyprus.

Labour MP Tan Dhesi, who chairs the defence committee, said: "We were seeing reports of the US significantly ramping up its military presence around Iran in preparation for an attack just as they did with Venezuela.

"But when they started the war it was embarrassing we couldn't even muster one single naval asset around the region. Are you embarrassed?"

The PM replied: "No, I don't think that's right. During January and February we obviously could see the build-up, we were working very closely with the US on intelligence and therefore we pre-deployed quite a lot of assets to the region.

"So far as HMS Dragon is concerned it normally takes six weeks for the loading on to and deployment of the relevant capability onto the Dragon, that was done within six days with 22 hour working days both with our service and civilian personnel working together."

Asked how long he thought the Iran war would last, the Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee: "It's hard to answer that question, if I'm honest about it.

"I think all our focus and energy has to be in the swift de-escalation, but we've got to plan on the basis that it could go on for some time, and that's the way in which we'll plan this afternoon.

"Since the conflict started, I've been really clear with the team that we mustn't fall into the sort of false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this.

"We have to plan on the basis there may not be."

He added: "On energy supplies, I can reassure the committee that we haven't any meaningful concern about energy supplies. Obviously the price fluctuates daily."

Sir Keir Starmer said he felt "disgust" at the arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances.

The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee: "The idea that ambulances could be considered a target is simply horrendous."

He acknowledged the impact the attack will have on the area but also "the whole Jewish community across the country, not least because this is not an isolated incident and the rise of antisemitic hatred is there for all to see".

He added: "The idea that we live in a society where people should feel they need to hide their identity or their religion is, frankly, abhorrent.

"Antisemitism is an old hatred, but it requires constant vigilance to overcome it."

Sir Keir Starmer is now appearing before cross-party MPs on the Liaison Committee.

Downing Street has confirmed it would continue to offer no comment on any future attacks on UK bases. When asked about accusations of a "cover-up" when the Diego Garcia base was attacked last week the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "What I’m saying is the information about threats is held at a high classification and is only declassified through a rigorous process, and for obvious reasons, we won’t comment on the operation of our allies and our partners."

Pressed on whether the Government would choose not to disclose the information if another missile were fired at the air base, he said: “No, I’m obviously not going to get ahead of hypotheticals. The point is we do not always immediately confirm events in fast-moving conflict, particularly where doing so could risk the safety of our military personnel, and that declassifying this sort of information must go through a rigorous process, but the MoD (Ministry of Defence) has been providing regular updates and will continue to do so."

Sir Keir Starmer met Jewish community leaders in Downing Street to discuss the Golders Green arson attack.

Asked if Jews in Britain should feel safe, Michael Wegier, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: "Yes, we should feel safe but anxious, I think. There’s a very long, thousands of years, history of Jews who have, at the same time, felt anxious but felt resilient."

He added: "I think resilience is the key word I would use to describe what the Jewish community needs now. I don’t think any of us would say we feel as safe as we did five years ago. There’s clearly been a decline, the figures show that.

"I am not sensing hysteria or panic in the Jewish community. The resilience is cutting through. But I think I have to be honest, we are feeling less safe than we did a few years ago."

Hatzola, the organisation whose ambulances were attacked, has issued the following statement: "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the senseless attack in the early hours of this morning at the Hatzola Northwest ambulance base.

"Hatzola NW, along with all Hatzola organisations, provides life-saving services without discrimination, regardless of faith or background. It is extremely distressing and difficult to comprehend that such a vital service could be targeted and attacked in such a way.

"We are working closely with the police and relevant support agencies to ensure the safety and security of our premises and resources, so that we can continue to respond swiftly to emergencies."

Sir Ephraim Mirvis had described the attack as terrorism declaring that britains jewish community would not be "intimidated". He said: "Our response is one of strength, of fortitude, of resilience. The synagogue alongside which this happened, they’re going to be back in action, afternoon service, evening service, today."

Speaking to the media this mounting the Chief Rabbi said: "And in fact, our response will be not only to continue in strength, but we’re going to be much stronger, because we’re not going to be cowed. We’re not going to be intimidated by terrorists, and this was a terrorist attack."

Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the attack but while being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police it has not been declared a terrorist incident.

Britain's most senior Rabbi has branded the Golders Green attacks as "highly lamentable" as he spoke about how synagogues, schools and other Jewish facilities "can now only function behind walls, behind gates".

He said he was "grateful for the significant amount of security which is being provided to us by our Government in the same way as previous governments have provided, together with police forces. You can never have too much security. The more we get, the better."

He added: "Isn’t it highly lamentable that our synagogues, our schools, our Jewish facilities, can now only function behind walls, behind gates? But that’s the reality of the situation. But together with that, while we are so shocked today and so saddened, nothing’s going to terrorise or intimidate us to stop functioning in genuine strength."

Sir Keir Starmer has maintained his position as Britain's least popular party leader. New polling by YouGov out today shows him on a -48 favourability. Only 4% of respondents to the poll suggested he was doing a very good job.

In first place is the Restore Britain leader, Rupert Lowe - on a minus 13 net favourability. Full results below:

Downing Street has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to “postpone” strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following talks with Tehran.

Mr Trump had threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants if the country did not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz by just before midnight on Monday night.

But in a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said he would delay the strikes by five days following “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the previous two days.

He added that the postponement of strikes was “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions”.

Following the announcement, Downing Street said reports of productive talks were “welcome”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “We have always said that a swift resolution to the war is in global interests and the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened.”

The British Medical Association (BMA) criticised “deliberate attacks on healthcare services” as “reprehensible” after Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in London.

BMA council chairman Dr Tom Dolphin said: “We are appalled to see this attack on ambulances that provide an important service to people in north London.

“Antisemitism is abhorrent, and deliberate attacks on healthcare services are reprehensible, and this horrendous incident involves both. It is a relief that no-one was injured, but this makes the attack no less sickening.

“Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in north London and across the UK.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the “appalling antisemitic attack” in London.

Dame Sarah Mullally said: “My prayers are with the Jewish community after the appalling antisemitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.

“Such acts of violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in our society.”

Nigel Farage has linked the arson attack on Jewish ambulances to illegal Channel crossings, warning Britain has an "open door to potential enemies".

The Reform UK leader said: "The horrible attack on volunteer ambulances is part of a rising tide of hate against Jewish communities in Britain. As I write, more undocumented young men are crossing the Channel. Many will be from Iran - we have an open door to potential enemies."

The comments come as four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed in the antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green.

Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “We are absolutely heartbroken that this is how low Britain has sunk.

"This horrific act truly plumbs new depths. Hatzola is a volunteer-run ambulance service run by the Jewish community but catering to everyone, Jews and non-Jews alike, working with the NHS to save lives as fast as possible.

"They provide outstanding medical care at lightning speed every hour of every day, and fundraise to buy ambulances and equipment.

"They are truly a shining example of the Jewish community coming together to help everyone in the most fundamental of ways by giving the gift of life.

“Burning their ambulances in an attempt to put them out of action is a truly repulsive act of antisemitic hatred in a Britain where Jews now have to keep everything from schools to synagogues under constant guard.

"Our society has become infested with the sickness of antisemitism.

"In this case it is not only about catching the perpetrators and restoring the ambulances, but about politicians accepting that by tolerating everything from hate marches to hate preachers, they have created this sickening mess, and time has run out for them to act.

"The law must change, fast, but so must society. The people spewing obsessive conspiracy theories about Jews, Zionists and Israelis are not social justice warriors, they are hateful bigots who are feeding this madness and must be stood up to and told as much by ordinary decent people.”

US President Donald Trump has issued an 'ultimatum' to Iran threatening them with further attacks if they do not open the Strait of Hormuz by midnight tonight.

Writing on his platform Truth Social the President said: "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, TO PUT IT MILDLY!!!"

Mr Trump has given Tehran until the end of today to open the oil route, or warned that he would “obliterate” the Islamic Republic’s energy facilities.

Sadiq Khan has condemned the arson attack on four Jewish ambulances in Golders Green as a "cowardly attack on the Jewish community".

The Mayor of London said: "I am in close contact with the police who are stepping up patrols in the area, and I urge anyone with information to come forward. Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation."

Conservatives have raised the alarm over the costs of red diesel in the wake of the Iran war, which has impacted prices.

Robbie Moore, the shadow farming minister described changes as "deeply worrying" when partnered with other changes brought in by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves.

Speaking to Times Radio this morning the Tory MP took aim at the Family Farm Tax and more which he said was harming the countryside.

Four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in a "deeply shocking" antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green, north-west London.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack. My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police."

The attack in the heavily Jewish area has sparked fury and concern about rising antisemitism. Police are appealing for witnesses to the targeted arson, which destroyed the community emergency vehicles overnight.

The Conservatives have described the attack on an ambulance service in Golders Green last night as a "hideous antisemitic attack".

Speaking this morning Chris Philp MP said: "I visited Hatzola myself just a few months ago and saw the incredible work they do. The Jewish community has been targeted again and again - including in the Islamist attack on Heaton Park synagogue last autumn. Whoever is guilty of this sickening crime must go to jail for a long time - and if they are not British citizens, they must then be deported."

He added: "We must make sure that the UK is safe for our Jewish community and we must relentlessly work to eliminate the ancient scourge of antisemitism."

A Labour Minister has condemned an attack on a Jewish hospital service in North London as a "deeply shocking incident".

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said his "thoughts are with those volunteers and the wider community who are feeling understandably concerned this morning."

He added that the government was investing in education to stamp out antisemitism.

Iran attacked a British military base over the weekend, with reports that the missiles used would also be theoretically able to hit London. Diego Garcia, a base located on the Chagos Islands, was shot at by Iran just days ago.

Sir Keir will now convene an emergency Cobra meeting today, following a call yesterday with Donald Trump to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a 20-minute conversation on Sunday night, the Prime Minister and the US president agreed reopening the strait was “essential” to stabilise a global energy market that had seen oil prices rocket since Mr Trump began his joint campaign with Israel against Iran.

The Prime Minister will also face off against the Liaison Committee, a set of high-ranking MPs, who can grill Sir Keir on a range of issues.

He is set to meet the Bank of England chief, Andrew Bailey as well who will attend the COBRA meeting due to take place this afternoon.

It is understood that the committee will focus on international affairs.

Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer spoke last night to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. A Downing Street spokesman said they "discussed the current situation in the Middle East, and in particular, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to resume global shipping."

They added: "They agreed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was essential to ensure stability in the global energy market."

Sir Keir Starmer will hold a meeting of COBRA today amid mounting tensions over the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.

The key oil trade route has been effectively closed since the start of the war in Iran and has sent oil prices skyrocketing.

A knock on impact in the UK has forced No10 to consider moves to unblock the Strait, but without committing to entry into the war, which Sir Keir has long opposed.