British fast jets are flying as part of regional defensive operations in the Middle East, the Defence Secretary has confirmed, following US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
John Healey said his first priority was the safety of UK Armed Forces personnel, adding that force protection measures at British bases in the region are at the highest levels.
“My first priority is the safety of our UK Armed Forces,” he said. “Force protection for British bases and personnel is at the highest levels.”
He added that “British jets are flying today as part of regional defensive operations in the Middle East to protect our people, our interests, and our allies.”
In a subsequent statement, Healey said the UK “played no role in these strikes,” referring to the reported Israeli and US action against Iran. However, he described the Iranian regime as “abhorrent” and reiterated the government’s long-standing position that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
The comments come after explosions were reported in Tehran and US officials confirmed American military strikes on Iran were underway. Israel has also confirmed it carried out attacks.
The Ministry of Defence has not provided details on the type of aircraft involved or the specific bases from which they are operating, understandably.
I see Starmer is back peddling, making big licks of an obvious minimum effort at using the Typhoons, correctly of course, for air defence of the region, Jordan and obviously the SBAs and UK forces. However did you notice on his big man speech “we player no part in the strikes” that my friends was for his domestic audience of Muslim voters who have started to slope off to the Greens!
By not letting the US use Diego Garcia, Fairford etc he has possibly made it a little harder for US forces and the Orange man will not forget that! The Typhoons in the air is also about trying to keep Orange man happy in a desperate attempt at keeping the Chagos surrender deal moving forward!
No, this isn’t back-peddling. Those Typhoons are doing exactly what they were deployed to do – a deployment that occurred prior to the UK choosing not to allow American bombing raids from their bases.
They’re not there to appease Trump, but to defend Qatar.
Well said Leh.
Please re-read my post, I am fully aware Typhoons were there for Op Shader and 6 more deployed last month? And you may have read my post stating it is the correct thing to do, but if you believe that there is no other ulterior motive from Starmer regarding the Chagos deal, and the fact Trump has stated if he gets no support from the UK he will fuck the deal off, then that’s up to you.
I have read your post.
I’m entirely entitled to add in the information you chose to leave out, if said information is relevant. Here, it definitely is. Trying to cast the use of our Typhoons to defend Qatar as back-peddling, despite that always being the intention (not actually part of Op Shader) is disingenuous.
So Qatar, not Cyprus?
We have 12 Typhoons in Cyprus.
Well said Leh
The Orange man only seeks out weakness to exploit, the more you placate and cower to his behaviour the more contempt you will suffer sadly. It’s a very narrow line to play if you have any hope of keeping him happy for any time and not the faintest expectation of consistency in doing so. It’s probably only having King Charles visiting around April that retains any suppression of his contempt. As he heads towards lame duck status come November he will only hit out all the more no doubt to any one he fancies no matter how brown nosing Starmer or anyone else gets.
Like it or not, agree or not, this is all about politics, from the orange man and our own weak PM who is under the control of his back benchers! If Starmer can see an angle to try to raise his head out of the current hole he has dug for himself then of course he will do that!
Imagine a Prime Minister of parliament being under the control of his back benchers.
It’s almost like he is an elected head of an elected chamber given the kings confidence because he can command a majority in parliament 🤔🤦♂️
Much better we have a Dictator with no accountability to parliament or perhaps we could elect a president sworn to defend a constitution who then goes about whipping is ass with said constitution.
Nice try Jim but it’s the cabinet which are supposed to direct and make policy, with the PM, not the backbenchers who apply pressure for their own local constituent self preservation! But I’m sure we will disagree, but he go there you go.
Yes and no. I agree Starmer’s tongue is ever at the boot of his muslim vote but I see this as simple precaution against rogue iranian drones or missiles
Agreed it is the sensible option which would have been briefed by his service chiefs, but let’s not pretend it’s about anyone else but himself and his position!
It was not for the Muslims in the UK it was for the vast majority of people in the UK who don’t want to be part of operation burry the Epstein files 2.
So you have done a poll? Nice one Jim that was pretty quick.
The UKMCC in Bahrain is located beside the USN’s ASU SWA and COMFIFTHFLEET – which has been very visibly hit by at least one Iranian missile. The UK base has been greatly run down from the 700 military personnel that were there as recently as 2023. But there are still 150 left – mainly related to the de-storing of Lancaster and preparing the last ship – Middleton – for her imminent return to the UK. Given the serious risks, it’s surely time to evacuate and mothball or close the base. Embarrassing, even humiliating, but with no warships the base simply has no useful military purpose that justify risking the lives of RN/RM personnel.