Foreign secretaryDavid Lammyhas repeatedly declined to say whether the British government believes that US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were legal or illegal.
Pressed on the Radio 4 Today programme by Justin Webb, Lammy claimed there was no equivalence between the actions of Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine and the US strikes. Overnight US president Donald Trump appears to have floated the idea ofthe US backing regime change in Tehran.
Asked about the lawfulness of the strikes, the foreign secretary would only say: “Well, we weren’t involved, it’s for the Americans to discuss those issues.”
When it was put to him that it extraordinary he could not answer the question, he told listeners:
I don’t think it is extraordinary because this was not the UK’s action, we were not involved, we were clear when this began and Israel’s attacks began that we were not involved … so I don’t say it’s not legitimate, but I can tell you as foreign secretary that we were not involved.
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of UK politics. Here are the headlines …
Foreign secretaryDavid Lammyhas repeatedly declined to say whether the British government believes US strikes on Iran were illegal. Prime ministerKeir Starmerhas warned of a “risk of escalation” in the Middle East and beyond, backing the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities andcalling on Tehran to return to negotiations
The government has promised electricity costs for thousands of businesses will be cut by scrapping green levies as a key part of a 10-year industrial strategy.Starmersaid the plan marks a “turning point for Britain’s economy”
Reform UKare to offer wealthy foreigners and returning British expats a bespoke tax regime in exchange for a one-off payment of £250,000 with all funds collected redistributed to Britain’s lowest-paid workers,the party claims
There are quite a few things in the diary for the day. ChancellorRachel Reevesand business secretaryJonathan Reynoldswill be out promoting the government’s industry strategy. Health secretaryWes Streetingis giving a speech in London, while opposition leaderKemi Badenochis appearing at a Policy Exchange event at lunchtime.
MinisterStephen Doughtywill be appearing before the foreign affairs committee discussing the Chagos agreement, while Northern Ireland secretaryHilary Bennfaces the Northern Ireland affairs committee. In the Commons there are questions on work and pensions and a general debate on Pride month.
It is Martin Belam with you today. You can reach me atmartin.belam@theguardian.com.