A Suffolk MP believes the Prime Minister should have provided the US with use of bases in the UK to help assist its mission to attack Iran.
Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for his initial decision not to support a key ally in launching attacks in the Middle East by denying a request to use British bases, such as RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.
The Prime Minister has since granted the use of sites in the UK for the limited purpose of attacking missile launchers and infrastructure, according to the PA News Agency.
But the decision not to assist the US in its initial attacks on Iran has been criticised by South Suffolk MP and shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge.
Responding to a question from Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP Dr Peter Prinsley, who asked whether Mr Cartlidge agreed "we must do all that we can to support" the personnel living in Suffolk, the shadow secretary said "Iran is a threat to us."
"I would just say gently to the hon. Gentleman that, in my view, we should have provided the use of American bases as part of the mission to attack Iran from the outset, not least because the nuclear programme in Iran is a threat to us," said the South Suffolk MP.
"That is still the most important point in the debate about the current action."
Mr Cartlidge described the decision by the Prime Minister as an "incredible situation."
He added that warship HMS Duncan should be sent to the Middle East as "we need the highly capable air defence it provides to protect RAF Akrotiri”.
A decision is yet to be reached on whether to send the warship.
It was confirmed on Wednesday HMS Dragon will be sent to the region to boost British defences.
Published in the East Anglian Daily Times.
