Sir Ben Wallace has delivered a blunt message to Keir Starmer: the UK cannot afford to drift while the Middle East crisis deepens.
The former Defence Secretary argued that Britain now risks frustrating both allies and adversaries by failing to clearly define its position. After initially refusing to allow the United States to use UK bases for strikes on Iran a move that reportedly angered Donald Trump Starmer is being accused by critics of sending mixed signals at a dangerous moment.
Wallace acknowledged there is no easy route forward. However, he warned that simply waiting for others to make the hard calls is not a strategy. With Iranian retaliation spreading across the region and a reported drone strike hitting an RAF base in Cyprus, he said Britain and its Gulf partners are being pulled into an increasingly risky situation.
In his view, the UK has already suffered an attack on sovereign territory without responding decisively. That, he suggested, has not strengthened Britain’s standing with either Washington or Tehran. While he noted that some may value strict adherence to international law above all else, he questioned whether that alone is enough to protect national interests.
Starmer has since granted the US permission to use British bases for strikes on Iranian missile facilities. At the same time, the Prime Minister made clear he does not support forcing political change through aerial bombardment a comment widely interpreted as distancing himself from calls in Washington for regime change.
The US-Israeli operation reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other senior figures. Despite that, Wallace cautioned there is little sign of a credible internal movement capable of toppling Tehran’s leadership. In his assessment, Iran may now feel it has little left to lose, raising the prospect of a longer and more volatile conflict than many anticipate.
He framed Britain’s choice starkly: either step back and hope the crisis burns out, or align more closely with the US and Israel even if the UK’s military contribution would be modest. For Wallace, even a limited show of support could matter symbolically, particularly if Britain expects American backing in future conflicts.
Above all, he urged the Prime Minister to articulate a clear plan, communicate it effectively, and invest more seriously in national defence. With the Armed Forces already described as overstretched, he argued that strengthening domestic capabilities is the one concrete step that would expand Britain’s options.
Downing Street has sought to minimise talk of a rift, maintaining that the UK and US remain firm allies. Meanwhile, a Royal Navy destroyer is being deployed to the Mediterranean as tensions continue to escalate.
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