Starmer: Iranian regime poses direct threat to UK Jewish community and dissidents

Keir Starmer has stressed that the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to the Jewish community in the UK and dissidents, adding:”Over the past year alone, they have supported more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.”

In a statement from Downing Street, the Prime Minister confirmed that British planes “are in the sky today” over the Middle East, participating in coordinated regional defensive operations to safeguard the UK’s people, interests, and allies.

He added:”It is clear that they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.”

He emphasised that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains the primary objective of the United Kingdom and its allies, including the US.

Starmer  continued: “I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of whom are not parties to this conflict.

“We extend our support and solidarity to them as part of our commitment to the security of our allies in the Middle East.”

“We have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently strengthened.

“Our forces are active, and British planes are currently in the sky as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies.

“As Britain has done before.”

He confirmed: “In line with international law, we have raised protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level.

“We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them. Today, I have spoken with leaders from the E3 and across the region.

“It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We seek peace, security, and the protection of civilian life.”

Starmer warned: “Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, abandon their weapons programs, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people, who deserve the right to determine their own future.

“In line with our long-standing position, this is the path to de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table.”

A joint statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the UK Prime Minister also urged Iran to “seek a negotiated solution.”

The statement, posted on X by the German Embassy in London, read: “France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.

“We did not participate in these strikes, but remain in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and others in the region. We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and the protection of civilian life.”