Keir Starmer has stated that there is no current assessment indicating that Iranian missiles are targeting the UK mainland.
Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that Tehran possesses weapons capable of reaching major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. This claim follows reports of Iran targeting the Chagos Islands, located 3,300 miles away, while London is approximately 2,700 miles from the Iranian capital.
When asked about the UK’s vulnerability to such attacks, the Prime Minister assured that ongoing assessments are conducted to safeguard the nation, emphasizing that there is no specific threat targeting the UK in that manner. He stressed the importance of prioritizing British interests and lives, advocating for de-escalation to avoid being pulled into conflicts.
Recent reports revealed that Iran launched two missiles towards the Diego Garcia UK/US joint base in the Chagos Islands, with one falling short and the other being intercepted. The exact proximity of the missiles to the target remains uncertain.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook cautioned against hastily accepting Israel’s claims regarding Iran’s capabilities, highlighting the UK government’s investments in air and missile defense to protect the country from potential threats.
In response to Israeli assertions, Pennycook reminded the public to consider Israel’s active involvement in the conflict when evaluating its statements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further emphasized Iran’s global threat, claiming that Iran possesses the capacity to strike deep into Europe.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed reassured the public of the UK’s ability to safeguard the country and its assets, expressing confidence in the nation’s security measures while refuting the IDF’s claims as unsubstantiated.
