Following the attack on Iran by a US B-1 bomber stationed at RAF Fairford this week, Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that Britain is an ‘accomplice’ to the US’s illegal war and now views British bases like RAF Fairford as legitimate targets.
This follows the US’s nearly two-week bombardment of Iran, targeting bridges, energy supplies and other civilian infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran has targeted US bases in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar.
Throughout March, dozens of US long-range bombers from Fairford carried out twice-daily bombing raids, at a time when the U.S. was targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. These are war crimes.
Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not drag Britain into Trump’s illegal war against Iran. Yet that is exactly what he – and now Burnham – has done by permitting Trump to use British bases.
Now, the government is dragging Britain even further into Trump’s illegal war.
It has released a statement saying ‘The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself… This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our Nato allies.’
This risks an even greater escalation and the involvement of the nuclear- armed alliance of NATO – something that Trump has been pushing for.
Instead, the British government needs to use its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Central to this is withdrawing the use of British bases.
Britain’s attempt to hide behind the spurious argument that Fairford is being used for ‘defensive’ operations cannot be justified. Actively assisting a country breaching international law is indefensible.
The overwhelming majority of the British population oppose this deadly war and oppose Trump’s use of British bases.
We need to send a strong message to this government that we will not allow it to drag us into a devastating war with Iran.
Join us this Saturday 25 July from 12:30pm at RAF Fairford Main Gate.