RAF jets may target Iranian missile sites, says David Lammy
RAF jets are legally allowed to bomb Iranian missile sites that could be used to attack British targets, David Lammy said today, reports BritPanorama.
The Deputy Prime Minister appeared to indicate a shift in the UK’s military intervention policy during a challenging round of interviews. His comments come amid escalating tensions between the UK and Iran, particularly in the context of military actions in the region.
While Sir Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Labour Party, has previously confined his remarks to allowing American pilots to launch strikes on Tehran from British bases, Lammy’s statements broaden the scope of the UK’s legal justifications for military action. He emphasized, “I’m not here to act as a lawyer but I think your viewers understand that in response to being attacked yes we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people.”
He further asserted that the UK would only engage in strikes on Iranian sites in response to an ongoing armed attack, according to a summary of legal advice released earlier this week.
Government sources have sought to downplay the significance of Lammy’s remarks, maintaining that the government’s position remains unchanged. However, the Conservative Party accused Labour of a policy reversal, welcoming what they claim is an acceptance of their stance that British planes should take direct action against Iranian missile silos.
Kemi Badenoch, a Tory MP, stated, “David Lammy has just U-turned and changed the Government’s position on striking Iran’s ability to attack our bases and our allies. Good. If this is their new position I welcome it, it is the Conservative position and what I called for at PMQs this week.”
Amidst these developments, Defence Secretary John Healey has not ruled out British aircraft participating in strikes if the situation escalates further, indicating pressure from both domestic and international fronts to support US-led actions. He stated, “As circumstances in any conflict change, you’ve got to be willing to adapt the action you take.”
Additionally, the US has recently reported significant military successes against Iranian forces, including the sinking of 30 Iranian warships and the decimation of Tehran’s air force. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that bombing operations are expected to intensify with increased military assets deployed to the region.
In a related context, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s military, urging them to surrender or face “absolutely guaranteed death.” His statements were aimed at the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the military, and the police, calling for their cooperation with the Iranian populace in reclaiming their country.
This latest round of escalations underscores the complexities of international relations involving the UK, the US, and Iran, marking a pivotal moment in military and diplomatic engagements.
