Starmer, Trump and the shaky ‘special relationship’
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially hesitated to allow the US to use UK military bases for strikes on Iran but later permitted access to two bases while opposing "regime change from the skies."
- The decision highlights the delicate balance Starmer faces in maintaining the UK-US relationship amid military cooperation and differing foreign policy views.
- Columnist Rafael Behr emphasizes Britain's vulnerability if the US were to sever ties, especially post-Brexit, given the UK's reliance on the US for defense and security.
- The UK's defense systems and command structures are deeply integrated with the US, giving the Pentagon significant control over Britain's security infrastructure.
- This moment underscores the challenges for Starmer in navigating UK foreign policy that heavily depends on its alliance
