Dr Jackie Turvey Tait

The Iranian regime is abominable but the initial strikes on Iran were neither defensive nor lawful. As this dangerous war escalates, hundreds of innocent civilians are dead across the Middle East and UK personnel and citizens are at risk. Urgent action is needed to secure an immediate ceasefire.

The UK must stand unequivocally against the reckless and illegal action taken by the US and Israel against Iran - publish the initial legal advice on the American/Israeli strikes and commit to a vote in the Commons before any UK involvement in this war.

Dear Prime Minister, In recent days we have seen a deeply concerning escalation in conflict in the Middle East following a series of illegal and dangerously irresponsible airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. You have now confirmed that UK bases will be used by the US for their operations in the area. This is a significant concession to President Donald Trump and one which risks drawing the UK into a dangerous conflict. During your campaign to be elected leader of the Labour Party, you spoke compellingly about learning the lessons of the Iraq war. In particular, you set out legislation you would pass as Prime Minister, ensuring that military action is only taken if: • The lawful case for it is made • There is a viable objective • Consent is given by the House of Commons. We agree that such legislation is needed to prevent the UK from being dragged into destructive, illegal and dangerous wars abroad, and so we have today tabled the Armed Conflict (Requirements) Bill. The Bill requires that 1. Before armed forces may be deployed for armed conflict, a Minister of the Crown must publish a statement setting out the reasons for the deployment, an assessment of its compliance with international law, the objective of the deployment and an assessment of the viability of that objective, and 2. Any such deployment must be approved in advance by a resolution of the House of Commons

I invite your support to pass this bill. In an increasingly unstable world, it is more important than ever that decisions about the UK’s involvement in military action abroad are taken carefully, soberly, and with the best interests of the British people at heart. We believe this piece of legislation would ensure that. Yours sincerely, Dr Ellie Chowns MP

Today I tabled a bill which would require any UK military intervention to have a lawful basis, viable objective, and approval by MPs - legislation the PM once said he himself would pass when he was running for Labour leader.

He supported it then, and he should support it now.

Americans deserve an open debate about the goals & costs of Trump’s war in Iran. The President has yet to explain to Congress or the American people its objectives or estimated duration.

There was no report of an imminent threat, so why has this President gotten Americans killed and put countless more in harm's way?

This administration needs to answer to Congress for these brazen attacks.

Trump promised no new wars.

Now, four Americans have died, and he’s threatening the lives of more troops as he wages an illegal regime-change war.

It’s Day 3 of this war, and President Trump & his administration have yet to answer the basic questions of “Why now?” and “What’s next?” consistently or coherently.

I want to stop more troops or innocent civilians from being put in harm’s way and will vote for the bipartisan War Powers Resolution.

The point that @adhaque.bsky.social makes is that the US, as the initial aggressor, may not use force against Iran in collective self-defense of the Gulf States. Hence the UK may not assist the United States in using force against Iran under any circumstances.

America is not good at regime change & nation building.

If the US is allowed to use our bases, how do we avoid complicity in an unequivocally illegal war?

"Is the war about nuclear weapons, or regime change, or electoral interference? It is about none of these things, of course; it is about feeling good and staying in power. It is a war on truth; but truth can win -- if it finds friends."
#FriendsEverywhere

I'm still asking this question: What's the plan? What's the goal? What does "winning" look like?

Why wouldn't Hegseth allow his JCS Chair to take press questions this morning? This is why.

The U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are illegal.

Iran's attacks in Gulf States are illegal.

The U.K. defending Gulf States is legal, but allowing the U.S. to use its bases is illegal.

In short, everyone is violating international law and should stop.

My latest @justsecurity.org

UK friends: I'd strongly advise to take your international law commentary from *actual* PIL/LOAC experts

'The U.K. defending Gulf States is legal, but allowing the U.S. to use its bases is illegal.'

"It is not possible to facilitate such airstrikes without facilitating the act of aggression of which they are a part. Nor is it possible to aid or assist an unlawful act & avoid responsibility by selectively intending only its desirable consequences."

"The US is committing an unlawful act of aggression, & the UK cannot aid or assist in its commission. Airstrikes against missile facilities in Iran have been, & will continue to be, an important component of the composite act of aggression."

The UK Government also agreed to allow the United States to use British bases for “specific & limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies.” This arrangement would appear to be unlawful.

The UK may lawfully take actions
(1) to defend itself & its position in the region &
(2) in the collective self-defence of regional allies under unlawful attack by Iran & requesting support, e.g. by using military assets flying in the region to intercept drones or missiles targeting such allies.

U.S. and Israel Aggression, Iran Misdirected Self-Defense, and Gulf State Self-Defense U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran violate the UN Charter; Iran’s response breaches proportionality. Haque examines options for third-party states.

"The United States, Israel, and Iran, have each violated international law. The United Kingdom appears poised to join them. Hundreds of civilians have paid the price. Before more children are burned alive or buried under rubble, this lawless war must end."

I look forward to seeing
@carladenyer.bsky.social
@adrianramsay.bsky.social
@sianberry.bsky.social &
@greenpartyhan.bsky.social 💚
My MP is Sarah Pochin (Reform) who isn't on Bluesky. Maybe she's a closet nature lover? 🤷‍♀️

Helpful discussion on #LongCovid 💚 Thanks so much for listening to those left with long-term chronic illness & for highlighting the plight of clinically vulnerable families who have been forgotten & left behind. Thanks also to the wonderful @sunny-rae1.bsky.social for your expert perspective. 🙂

Hannah, we are so happy to welcome you to Parliament and to the team of @greenparty.org.uk MPs! 💐💚☀️

How lovely 🙂💚
Clinically vulnerable children will be able to feel safe & share a sense of belonging when the Government makes clean air in school a right for all our kids & makes it illegal to discriminate against them by refusing reasonable adjustments.
@cleanair4kids.bsky.social
@cvcev.bsky.social

Hannah Spencer MP with greyhounds outside Parliament being photographed by a bank of press in the sunlight.

Quick photocall then watching HANNAH OUR NEW GREEN MP getting sworn in - and my heart may burst. Thank you everyone who made this day happen! 💚💚👏👏🙏

Monday briefing: ​What does the escalation in the Middle East mean for global stability? In today’s newsletter: A region already strained by years of proxy conflict is confronting its most volatile moment in decades, as the death of Iran’s supreme leader ​could drag us into a rapidly wide...

"From the Mediterranean to the Gulf and across Iran’s eastern frontier, governments and civilians alike are holding their breath – watching to see whether this latest chapter in a generations-long US-Iran conflict burns out or burns wider."

The events of the past 48 hours have laid bare Keir Starmer's utter inability to stand up to Donald Trump - and this weakness could have serious consequences for the safety of British people.

No more illegal wars. Introduce a prevention of military intervention act and put human rights at the heart of foreign policy. Review all UK arms sales and make us a force for international peace and justice.

The majority of people in this country do not want us to be involved in this war.

Keir Starmer of a few years ago wouldn't have supported this war.

The only reason he does now is he will do anything Donald Trump wants - and it makes us all less safe.

A view of Dorset heathland complete with cattle and yellow gorse in the foreground

This wk the world feels more scary than before & conflict just got closer, but from an unexpected angle.
I expect MPs will challenge Govt on Trump & Iran later so a long day ahead
I’m sharing this beautiful view from today’s dog walk, to remind us how fortunate we are to live in peace & freedom

Sorry to hear this, Ashley 💔 Best wishes for successful treatment & a rapid return to full health 🙏 💚