PM must recall Parliament if Trump follows through on extreme civilian threats

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

PM must recall Parliament if Trump follows through on extreme civilian threats

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has called on the Prime Minister to recall Parliament and address MPs over the situation in Iran if President Trump follows through on his extreme threats to Iranian civilians.

The Liberal Democrats are also urging Starmer to withdraw US access to UK air bases to launch strikes against Iran, as the President repeatedly threatens to carry out a mass bombing of civilian targets.

In a letter to the Prime Minister earlier today, Davey, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller, and 56 fellow Liberal Democrat MPs called on Keir Starmer to urgently withdraw the access granted to US planes to use UK bases, and to make a statement on how the UK will continue to work with other allies to ensure protection for our citizens, interests and allies.

In the letter, they added that if the Government refuses to act, they must at the very least formally clarify and publish the conditions placed on the US for use of our bases to ensure it is only defensive, commit to monitoring the outcome of all sorties and report these to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“This is a grave and era-defining moment for the world. Donald Trump is making wilder and increasingly concerning threats by the hour.

“If Trump follows through and attacks civilian targets, Keir Starmer must immediately recall Parliament. The Prime Minister must also withdraw US access to UK bases now.

“MPs must be given a chance to hold the Government to account and prevent the UK from being complicit in war crimes and breaches of international law.”

ENDS