Statement by
Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets
in Iran.
Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region.
I know the British people and communities across our country will
be deeply concerned about what this means for security and
stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region -
which for so many of us includes friends and family members.
So while the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set
out our response.
The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes.
But we have long been clear – the regime in Iran is utterly
abhorrent.
They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally
crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.
Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct
threat to dissidents and the Jewish community.
Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20
potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.
So it's clear – they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear
weapon.
That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies
– including the US.
I condemn Iran's attacks today on partners across the region,
many of which are not parties to this conflict.
We extend our support and solidarity to them.
As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the
Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the
region – which we've recently taken steps to strengthen.
Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as
part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our
people, our interests, and our allies - as Britain has done
before, in line with international law.
We've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to
their highest level.
We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing
everything we can to support them.
I have been speaking with leaders today - from the E3, and across
the region.
It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to
a diplomatic process.
We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian
life.
Iran can end this now.
They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons
programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression
against the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine
their own future, in line with our longstanding position.
That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating
table.
Readout of PM's call with the Amir of
Qatar
“The Prime Minister spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad
bin Khalifa Al Thani this afternoon.
“The Prime Minister set out his deep concern over the attacks on
Qatar and other regional partners today.
“He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the defence of Qatar and
its allies, shown by the UK's presence in the region as part of
coordinated defensive operations. The leaders agreed on the
importance of continued cooperation between partners in response
to these attacks.
“They set out their shared resolve to find a path to
de-escalation, working with allies to protect civilians and
defend regional stability.
“They agreed to speak again soon.”
Readout of PM's call with the President of the
UAE
“The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the United Arab
Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this afternoon.
“The Prime Minister began by expressing his solidarity with the
UAE and partners across the region in response to the loss of
life, casualties and damage that has taken place.
“He also thanked the President for his efforts to keep British
nationals in the UAE safe.
“The leaders welcomed the strong relationship and close
cooperation between the two countries. They stressed the
importance now of preventing further escalation and reiterated
their commitment to regional security.
“They set out that they would stay in close contact over the
coming days.”
