Starmer grilled in Commons over UK war readiness amid Iran tensions
Starmer grilled in Commons over UK war readiness amid Iran tensions
Prime minister faces sharp questions on defence spending as MPs warn Britain is unprepared for a potential Iran conflict, with a Cobra meeting underway.
Sir Keir Starmer faced MPs in the Commons Liaison Committee as senior lawmakers pressed him on the UK’s war readiness amid mounting tensions in the Middle East tied to Iran. The prime minister was grilled by colleagues from both sides of the aisle about whether Britain is prepared for a potential conflict and how the government would shield households from any spillover costs. He was also chairing an emergency Cobra meeting to map out the war’s impact on the cost of living.
During the session, MPs challenged whether the government has a war footing in place, with accusations of complacency on defence spending. Starmer pushed back, saying the focus must be on swift de-escalation while acknowledging it is hard to promise a quick end to the conflict. He added that planning must account for a protracted scenario even as he sought to keep channels open for diplomacy.
Ipsos polling released ahead of the hearing showed public concern about defence rising from 16% to 31%, making defence a top priority for voters behind immigration and the economy. The rising anxiety framed the exchange as MPs warned that the UK cannot delay decisive action on spending and readiness.
The exchange grew tense at times, with a Tory MP accusing Starmer of lacking a war fighting mentality and Starmer snapping back after being reminded that Churchill did not need a defence review in World War II. He also addressed questions about Trump words calling him not Winston Churchill and said his focus remains on de escalation and planning, not personal insults.
Taken together, the comments reflect a broader conversation about defence funding, readiness, and what it means for cost of living, energy prices, and national security should a wider conflict erupt. The government says it will present details in due course, while opposition MPs demand clear timelines and allocations to avert any perception of complacency in defence.
