British forces ‘played part’ in supporting Israel, defence secretary confims

Defence Secretary John Healey has confimed that “British forces played their part” in supporting Israel after Iran launched a barrage of missiles.

In a statement posted by the Ministry of Defence on X, Healey :”I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism. The UK stands fully behind Israel’s right to defend its country and its people against threats.”

He added:”The UK stands fully behind Israel’s right to defend its country and its people against threats.”

Jewish News understands UK fighter jets were involved, as they were in April when Iran last attacked Israel with missiles.

Healey’s statement came after Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech at Downing Street to condemn Iran, and confirm the UK stood “with Israel.”

The PM said:”“We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression. Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long”.

While he did not immediately confirm UK involvement in Tuesday’s action, Starmer had baccked action taken by the previous Conservative government to support Israel in April.

In his address from Downing Street Starmer said:”Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.

“Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel’s reasonable demand for the security of its people.”

He had been speaking to Benjamin Netanyahu when the Iranian attacks began.