Angela Rayner does not rule out following US into war in Middle East
Standing in for the Prime Minister as he attends the G7 Summit in Canada, Rayner was faced with questions in the Commons over the UK Government's stance on following president Donald Trump into war with Israel against Iran if he was to launch strikes.
Trump has demanded 'unconditional surrender' and has warned Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the US knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now'.
READ MORE: Donald Trump shares fawning message from extremist US ambassador to Israel
Trump initially distanced himself from Israel's surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something 'much bigger' than a ceasefire. The US has also sent more warplanes to the region.
Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, said at PMQs: "In 2003, we Liberal Democrats were incredibly proud to lead the case against the Iraq war.
"A war in which the UK blindly followed the US, in a move that was not back by the United Nations.
"In light of reports that president Trump is seriously considering joining the war between Israel and Iran, launching a US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that if president Trump does do this that today's Labour Government will not blindly follow the US into war again?"
Rayner responded with: "The one thing I will say is that we agree with president Trump, that Iran must never have nuclear weapons.
"But we've been consistent in urging Iran to engage with the diplomatic process and work with the United States, and we continue to support that diplomatic efforts."
Earlier at the G7 Summit, Starmer had insisted Trump was interested in de-escalation in the Middle East, saying 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved.
In a statement on Monday, before Trump's departure, leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability' but stopped short of calling for a truce between Israel and Iran.
British Typhoon fighter jets have also been deployed to the region, which Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuesday was 'part of the moves to reinforce de-escalation in the region, to reinforce security in the region, and may also be used to help support our allies'.
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