Conservative Party leader speaks on Israel Iran conflict and Assisted Dying bill during Lincolnshire Show visit
The leader of the Conservative Party has said she believes de-escalation in the Middle East is still possible, and that the UK must support Israel in defending itself.
During a visit to the 140th Lincolnshire Show on Thursday (June 19), Kemi Badenoch, who became the national leader of the party last November, insisted the most important issue in the war between Israel and Iran is ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.
The conflict began after Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran, prompting retaliatory aerial strikes from Tehran. The White House has said President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will become directly involved in the conflict.
Should US forces be deployed to help Israel eliminate Iran’s nuclear programme, some have questioned what role the UK might play — drawing comparisons to the country’s involvement alongside the US in the controversial 2003 invasion of Iraq.
“The most important thing is to make sure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” said Mrs Badenoch, when asked by ITV if the UK should support military action in Iran.
“We need to make sure we support Israel in its activity to defend itself and protect itself.”
She then referred to the recent agreement in which Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signed a deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base for £101 million a year.
The Prime Minister said the deal was the only way to maintain the base’s long-term future and strengthen the UK’s national security.
However, the Conservative leader, who took over from former PM Rishi Sunak, added: “What I’m really worried about, though, is that the base we would need to use if we were supporting [military action] is the one that Keir Starmer has just surrendered territory for to Mauritius.
“Mauritius is an ally of China, who are an ally of Iran, and we would need their permission to launch any sort of fight. These are the sorts of things that show Labour has had very bad judgment, which has weakened our national security.”
When asked if de-escalation was still possible, she said: “It is still possible, but we need to be realistic and not naïve. The worst possible outcome is for us to be talking about de-escalation when it isn’t realistic.”
She also spoke about the family farm tax and the future of the Conservative Party.
Mrs Badenoch was also asked her thoughts on the Assisted Dying Bill, which is due to be voted on as it enters Parliament today (Friday, June 20).
“I am somebody who has been previously supportive of assisted suicide. This bill is a bad bill — it is not going to deliver, it has not been done properly. This is not how we should put through legislation.
“I don't believe that the NHS and other services are ready to carry out assisted suicide, so I'll be voting no, and I hope as many Conservative MPs as possible will support me.”