Lammy Declares UK Fighter Jets Could Legally Target Iranian Missile Bases
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has asserted that Royal Air Force jets could lawfully strike Iranian missile sites to prevent attacks on British interests in the Middle East. This statement comes amid escalating tensions as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its seventh day, with Britain deploying additional fighter jets to the region.
Legal Justification for Defensive Action
Mr Lammy emphasised that while the UK declined to participate in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Britain will "of course" support defensive measures. When questioned on BBC Breakfast about the legality of targeting Iranian bases to pre-empt attacks, he stated, "It is entirely legal to protect our people and protect our staff, and therefore all operational capability is available to us in those circumstances."
He further clarified, "I'm not here to act as a lawyer, but I think your viewers will understand that in response to being attacked, yes, we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people across the region." When pressed on whether pre-emptive strikes would be lawful, Lammy responded, "It is my understanding that that would be legal."
Increased Military Deployment and Evacuation Efforts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that an additional four British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar to strengthen defensive operations. This move aims to bolster the UK's military presence as the conflict intensifies, with Sir Keir defending his decision not to join the initial strikes on Tehran.
The first government-chartered plane evacuating British nationals from the region landed at London Stansted shortly before 1am on Friday. Mr Lammy reported that approximately 6,500 British nationals have returned from the UAE, with 100,000 registered in the region. He noted, "This is a technical operation, and we've got more people to evacuate than in Afghanistan... this is a pretty big feat," indicating plans for more charter flights from Oman.
Criticism and Defence of UK Response
The UK has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, including concerns over air defence measures at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which was hit by a drone. Defence Secretary John Healey, during a trip to Cyprus, declined to rule out UK aircraft participating in strikes on Iran, stating, "As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take."
Mr Lammy dismissed suggestions of embarrassment over the UK's response, telling Sky News, "Absolutely not... we have F-35s, Typhoons in the sky taking down missiles as we speak and that has happened over Jordan, it's happened over Qatar." He highlighted coordination with allies such as France, Germany, and NATO, and confirmed that HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, will arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming weeks to bolster air defences.
Ongoing Regional Conflict and Impact
The US and Israel have continued nationwide strikes on Iran, while Iran has maintained retaliatory attacks on Israel, US bases, and across the region. This has led to thousands of Britons leaving, with around 4,000 returning on commercial flights prior to the government-chartered evacuation. The situation remains fluid, with the UK government adapting its military and humanitarian strategies to protect national interests and citizens abroad.
