British opposition figures warn of dangers of US using UK base in potential Iran attack
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss Britain's response if the US enters the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Much of the discussion hinged on Diego Garcia, a shadowy UK-US military base deep in the Indian Ocean.
The strategic base puts US bomber aircraft within 5,300 kilometres of Iran and could allow them to attack Iran while avoiding Gulf airspace.
It means that if the US directly intervenes, Britain will almost certainly find itself heavily involved - even if it does not help protect Israel from Iranian strikes.
On Monday, four US B-52 Stratofortress bombers - which can carry precision-guided bombs - were sighted on a Diego Garcia runway, according to the Daily Mail.
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After the Cobra meeting it emerged that the British government will have to sign off on the US use of the base in any bombing raid on Iran.
Independent MP Adnan Hussain told MEE: "If the UK permits the US to use its bases for offensive operations against Iran, and especially if those attacks originate from UK sovereign territory, then it could be considered directly involved in the conflict - legally a co-belligerent."
Hussain added: "This would expose the UK to retaliation and Iranian counterattacks, in essence it could result in all out involvement."
Base within attack range of Iran
Deputy Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is standing to lead the party, told MEE: "Israel’s attack on Iran is illegal.
"Starmer claims to want de-escalation - yet dragging the UK into their illegal war does the opposite."
Diego Garcia is almost certain to play a crucial role in any future American attacks on Iran, given its proximity to the country.
Iranian military officials have repeatedly warned Israel's allies that they could be attacked if they help defend Israel.
Iran's Shahed-136B kamikaze drones have the range to attack the base, which houses around 4,000 people, mostly members of the American military and contractors.
Scottish National Party MP Chris Law told MEE: "The UK government must recognise the seriousness of the situation and understand that any such decision will require the support of parliament.
“Any use of UK military bases for US military action in Iran would be a significant escalation in this conflict, and it is imperative that Parliament be consulted and votes be held before any such decision is taken."
If the US asks the Starmer government for permission to use the base for an attack, Starmer would be expected to seek advice from Jonathan Powell, his national security adviser, who was Tony Blair's chief of staff when Britain invaded Iraq in 2003.
Hussain said: "The UK should continue with its focus on diplomatic solutions, as this is the only real solution to the issue.
"An all-out war, especially with modern methods of warfare and talks of the potentiality of nuclear weapons would be a disaster not just for those involved but the whole world."
Polanski added: "A million marched against Iraq, and the chaos and destruction that followed remain Labour’s shameful legacy.
"They must learn from history."
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