Britain's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has granted the United States permission to use British military bases in the ongoing campaign against Iran, maintaining the policy previously adopted by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the British government discussed the issue during a high-level meeting last Friday, following the resumption of U.S. military operations earlier this month. The meeting concluded with the decision to continue allowing the U.S. to use the military bases at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, as before.
Sources claim that upon assuming office, Prime Minister Burnham was briefed on the decision and gave his consent. Consequently, U.S. warplanes will be able to utilize these bases to counter Iranian missile threats and target sites around the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command stated that the latest strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, missile launch sites, and air defense systems.
However, the British government's decision has also sparked political controversy. Left-wing parties and the Liberal Democrats have accused the UK of indirectly entangling itself in the war by permitting the use of its bases.
Following his ascension to office, Prime Minister Burnham spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, July 20. The Prime Minister's Office stated that he reaffirmed the UK's commitment to ensuring the security of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
On social media, Trump described the phone call as positive, noting that they discussed various topics including North Sea oil, trade, military cooperation, and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
