Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, has urged the UK to take decisive military action against Iran in response to recent attacks on British bases in Bahrain and Cyprus. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Badenoch warned that Britain “will be in a lot of trouble” if it fails to join bombing raids targeting Iranian missile sites to prevent further aggression.
Badenoch stressed that the RAF must act offensively to dismantle Iranian missile infrastructure, highlighting concerns from regional allies who feel the UK is retreating from its commitments. “Once our bases had been attacked, I think we became part of this, whether we liked it or not,” she said, adding that swift action might help de-escalate the situation by resolving it before it drags on.
The UK government has faced criticism for its perceived slow and insufficient response. The Cypriot government expressed disappointment after an Iranian-made drone struck RAF Akrotiri, a British base on the island. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Cyprus to address tensions. The HMS Dragon warship, expected to provide protection, will not deploy until next week, while Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone technology are scheduled to arrive on the island this week.
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Badenoch also voiced concern over initial UK hesitation to allow US forces to use British bases such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for strikes against Iran. Although the Prime Minister has now authorized limited US use of these bases targeting Iranian missile infrastructure, RAF jets have yet to engage directly.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer counseled caution, emphasizing the need for a lawful basis and a considered plan before escalating military involvement. At Prime Minister’s Questions, he highlighted ongoing UK defensive measures in the region, including deployment of radar, ground-based air defenses, counter-drone systems, and F-35 jets.
Despite differences in approach, Badenoch and Starmer agree on the urgency of countering Iranian threats to UK bases. Badenoch’s call marks a strong push within the Conservative Party for a more assertive military posture to reassure allies and safeguard British interests in the Middle East.