“Also, [we] completely recognize Israel’s right to self-defense, but the principle is that we need to de-escalate this.”
He added: “There’s a real risk of escalation here that will impact the region, possibly beyond the region, akin to Gaza, and obviously it’s already having an impact on the economy.”
Starmer’s comments come after the Spectator reported that U.K. Attorney General Richard Hermer had raised legal concerns about potential British involvement in the conflict, which could involve the use of the joint U.K.-U.S. airbase on Diego Garcia, part of a British overseas territory in the Indian Ocean.
Starmer declined to comment directly on those reports, saying: “The attorney’s advice is never disclosed by any government, but I can tell you the principle — the driving intent — which is that [of] de-escalation.”
Of Iran he said: “It’s very clear: Yes, we need to deal with the nuclear program, there’s no doubt about that in my mind, but it is better dealt with as a negotiated outcome.”
He added: “De-escalate and get to that point.
