UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Israel-Iran Conflict, Gaza Aid, and UK-US Relations

Israel-Iran Conflict and De-escalation

• ⚠️ The UK is gravely concerned about Iran's nuclear program and recognizes Israel's right to self-defense.
• 🌍 The UK urges all sides to de-escalate and negotiate, emphasizing that they were not involved in the recent Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear targets.
• 🤝 Discussions are ongoing with allies, including calls with President Macron and Chancellor Scholz, to ensure a unified stance on de-escalation.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

• 💔 The situation in Gaza is described as intolerable, with inadequate aid arrangements and ongoing suffering.
• 🕊️ The UK consistently calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, alongside ensuring aid enters Gaza at speed and volume.
• 🇵🇸 Regarding a Palestinian state, the UK's long-standing policy is that recognition should be part of a process leading to a two-state solution.

UK-Russia Relations and Ukraine Support

• 🇺🇦 Prime Minister Starmer believes President Trump wants to end the conflict in Ukraine and is working with allies to achieve a ceasefire.
• ⏳ He acknowledges that the path to peace is not straightforward but is determined for the UK to play a leading part in bringing about a lasting peace.
• 🛡️ The UK is leading on a "coalition of the willing" for post-war Ukraine, emphasizing the need for European countries to step up their collective security and defense capabilities.

UK Defense Spending and NATO

• 📈 The UK is committed to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027-28, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
• 🤝 NATO is the cornerstone of UK defense, and the UK contributes its nuclear capability, making a significant contribution to the alliance's security.
• 🌍 There is a clear message for European allies to do more on spend, capability, and cooperation within NATO.

UK Economic Outlook and Investment

• 💼 The government is moving into phase two, focusing on the benefits and yield of spending, with a program of real labor values and investment.
• 📈 The UK has seen record investment since the last election, with London Tech Week highlighting positive investor sentiment.
• 🚢 The government is focused on creating good, well-paid, secure jobs and attracting international investment, emphasizing the UK's attractiveness to global investors.