UK Green MPs demand end to British role in ‘illegal’ Iran war

2026-03-21 - 07:09

A group of British parliamentarians has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing deep concern over the United Kingdom’s alleged involvement in military operations against Iran, which they say violate international law. In a letter delivered on Friday, the Green Party MPs argued that London is “obliged under international law to have no involvement in illegal military action.” They pointed specifically to the use of British military installations, including RAF Fairford, and UK-manufactured weaponry as evidence of direct complicity in the ongoing conflict between the US-Israeli alliance and Tehran. The lawmakers highlighted the severe humanitarian toll of the strikes that began on February 28. According to their letter, civilian casualties have surpassed 1,000, including an estimated 168 children. They also cited reports from Lebanon indicating that military action there is causing child casualties at a rate equivalent to “one classroom of children every day.” The MPs questioned whether US strike targets launched from British soil are vetted by the UK Defense Ministry and whether banned cluster munitions are being handled at British bases. Beyond the humanitarian concerns, the Green Party members warned of wider repercussions. They argued that the prolonged conflict exposes the UK to significant economic vulnerability, noting the country’s continued reliance on fossil fuels amid global market disruptions. The letter formally calls on the government to “withdraw all permission for the US to use UK military bases for attacks on Iran” and to immediately cease all arms sales and military collaboration with Israel. The escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions since joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian leadership. Iran has responded with drone and missile operations against Israel and US-linked assets across Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, causing infrastructure damage and disrupting regional stability. The MPs’ intervention adds to growing parliamentary scrutiny over the UK’s strategic posture as the conflict widens, with demands for sanctions against officials allegedly responsible for violations of international law.