Paul Brand

Brent crude oil price tops $100 a barrel in Asian markets as the conflict in the Middle East enters another week.

The way the government is doubling down suggests they are confident they are on the right side of a) the law and b) British public opinion.

It’s possible that Trump’s temper tantrums strengthen Starmer’s position.

Cooper also disagrees with Tony Blair’s argument that the U.K. should always side with the US.

“I understand there are people who think we should unquestionably [go along with America]… all of our decisions should be based on what is right for British citizens.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responds to President Trump’s latest outburst.

“The job of the British PM is to take decisions in the national interest of the U.K., not in the interests of other countries… we don’t outsource foreign policy to other countries”.

#bbclaurak

NEW: Keir Starmer says the government charter flight from Oman to the UK has finally taken off, repatriating vulnerable Brits from the Middle East.

Starmer says though that the wider evacuation is “not going to happen overnight”.

4 additional typhoon jets also being sent to Qatar.

Good morning! On GMB 6-9:30am with Kate. Looking forward to spending more of my mornings in the chair with this top team!

Well you won’t find that view expressed by every commentator!

Given that more Brits oppose strikes on Iran than support them, it is possible that Trump is in fact helping Keir Starmer’s standing with the public.

The more Starmer resists Trump’s demands, the more principled he appears, in line with British views on the war.

Chancellor quips “oh he’s not here today” as Nigel Farage’s seat remains empty.

First mention of the Greens there.

Not sure I’ve heard them raised at a fiscal event like this before.

Shows they’ve definitely arrived in parliamentary politics.

Interesting to see Chancellor attacking reform - twice now. Similar vibe to autumn budget.

Suggests political strategy of this govt is still primarily focused on the threat from the right. No gags about the Greens yet.

#springstatement

As expected the Chancellor seizes on the conflict in the Middle East to argue that her economic plan is even more necessary / vindicated.

We’re covering the statement live on ITVX #springstatement

"The Leader of the Opposition seems to be saying that she would have joined initial strikes whether they were lawful or not", Starmer replies.

"I fundamentally disagree... where our military personnel put their lives at risk it is my duty to make sure they have a lawful basis."

"You don't need international law to say which side you're on", says Kemi Badenoch, as she asks why Keir Starmer hasn't backed the US strikes on Iran.

"Why is it that under this Prime Minister international law always seems to be at odds with our national interest?", she adds.

"We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learnt those lessons", PM insists, in a nod to those who are concerned.

"Any UK actions must always have a lawful basis and a viable thought-through plan."

"We will not join offensive action now", he says.

Starmer insists "We are not joining the offensive US and Israeli strikes"... and that UK action is purely defensive, but that's being kept under review.

PM says the drone that hit RAF Akrotiri was launched before any announcement to lend UK bases to the US.

He also says the US is not currently using Akrotiri.

NEW: Keir Starmer responds to Trump criticism:

"President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved with the initial strikes.

But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest. That is what I have done. And I stand by it."

The Foreign Secretary says 300k Brits are in the Middle East. Of those 102k have registered with the Foreign Office to say where they are. She says advice is to shelter in place, but govt is looking at the “full range of options” to bring them home.

NEW: The Lib Dems are demanding MPs get a vote on allowing the US to use UK air bases.

Leader Ed Davey says:

“No matter how the Prime Minister tries to redefine offensive as defensive, this is a slippery slope. He must not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

No10 say the bases will be used to stop Iran from firing missiles - ie a defensive stance, not an offensive one, in their view

BREAKING: Keir Starmer says the U.K. has given the US permission to use British bases to launch strikes on Iran

Green Party leader Zack Polanski says Keir Starmer should go on television and “condemn these illegal strikes” #BBCLauraK

a red dragon on a green and white flag ALT: a red dragon on a green and white flag

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Happy St David’s Day 🌼

BREAKING: Donald Trump says Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead.

BREAKING: Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu says there are “growing signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “gone”.

Some clear political differences emerging between the political parties this morning:

Reform - via Nigel Farage tweet - says UK should allow US to use our bases to attack Iran.

Green Party says UK must stay out of it.

Starmer chairing COBR and so far on the fence.

NEW: @EmilyThornberry tells me on @LBC that Keir Starmer should call what she believes to be the illegality of the strikes on Iran overnight. She says she is glad the U.K. was not involved and fears escalation.

“…which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.
 
“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”

 “Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.

“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region…”