Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has approved the continued use of British military bases by the United States for selected Attacks against Iran, making the decision one of the first major foreign policy actions of his premiership. The approval allows US forces to use certain UK bases for what the British government has described as “defensive” strikes against Iranian targets, as Washington continues its military campaign.
The move has attracted significant attention because it comes only days after Burnham entered 10 Downing Street following the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, the Labour Party leader and former Mayor of Greater Manchester, inherited a government facing growing tensions in the Middle East as the United States intensified its operations against Iran.
According to reports, Burnham’s decision does not represent a complete change in British policy but rather a continuation of the position adopted by Starmer later in the conflict. The UK has said the permission applies only to operations it considers defensive, rather than granting unrestricted access for all US military missions.
The issue of American access to British bases has been politically sensitive since the start of the conflict. Before the initial US-led strikes on Iran, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused President Donald Trump’s request to use British military facilities, including RAF Fairford in England and the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory, for offensive operations against Iran. British ministers reportedly raised legal and political concerns, while Starmer argued that the UK would not participate in offensive military action.
That initial refusal reportedly strained relations between London and Washington. However, as Iran expanded missile and drone attacks across the region, Starmer later agreed to allow the United States to use British bases for what he described as a “specific and limited defensive purpose”, saying the move was intended to help prevent further Iranian attacks and protect British interests and allies.
Burnham has now chosen to maintain that policy after taking office. Reports say his approval ensures that American forces can continue using British facilities for selected operations linked to the conflict with Iran, while the UK government continues to describe its role as defensive rather than offensive. The decision is seen as an early test of Burnham’s leadership, balancing Britain’s close military relationship with the United States against domestic political concerns about becoming more deeply involved in the war.
