Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed the continuation of the policy allowing US forces to use British military bases for strikes against Iran, according to a Bloomberg report cited by Israeli media. Burnham was briefed on the decision following an emergency meeting convened by his predecessor Keir Starmer last Friday and agreed to maintain the existing policy, which permits US aircraft to operate from Diego Garcia and Fairford for what London defines as 'defensive' operations against Iranian missile threats.
In a development confirmed at 22:14 Jerusalem, new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has personally confirmed the continuation of the policy allowing US forces to use British military bases for strikes against Iran. Burnham, who was sworn in on Monday, specifically named Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford as the bases available for what London defines as 'defensive' operations against Iranian missile threats. The confirmation follows a cabinet approval earlier tonight, as first reported by The Zioneer, and Burnham was briefed by his predecessor Keir Starmer on the details of the emergency meeting held last Friday.
The Zioneer earlier tonight reported that outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet had approved the continued use of British bases for US strikes on Iran. That report was quickly followed by Burnham's confirmation, with the story evolving from a general policy continuation to the naming of specific bases. The confirmation was based on a Bloomberg report cited by the Israeli news outlet N12, adding an independent source to the initial reporting.
The Zioneer has previously reported that Burnham, who succeeded Starmer after a period of internal Labour friction, has taken a significantly more critical stance toward Israel's military operations in Gaza. Despite that shift, he has chosen to maintain continuity on the policy regarding Iran, where the US continues a military campaign that has included strikes on missile and nuclear facilities. The UK has been a key ally, providing base access and logistical support.
It remains unclear whether Burnham's confirmation includes any new restrictions or conditions on the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford compared to the previous policy, or if it is a straightforward continuation. The specific operational details of US strikes launched from these bases have not been independently verified.
4 developments
- DevelopingOutgoing UK PM Starmer convened emergency meeting on Friday, ministers voted to continue US base access for Iran strikes
- StrongStarmer reportedly weighs staying on as Labour leader amid growing pressure after Burnham by-election win
- StrongAndy Burnham confirms he will run for UK prime minister
- DevelopingLikely next UK PM Burnham says war crimes likely committed in Gaza, calls for sanctions and settlement trade ban
Source and signal
- Internal intake