- Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism from MPs on the Commons liaison committee over the UK's perceived lack of preparedness for the US war with Iran.
- Concerns were raised about the absence of Royal Navy ships in the Mediterranean when the conflict began, particularly after drone attacks on Cyprus, including RAF Akrotiri.
- An Ipsos poll indicated that public concern about defence issues has more than doubled, rising to 31 per cent and becoming the third highest priority for the public.
- Sir Keir admitted he could not provide a timetable for the conflict's end, despite a declaration of a ceasefire by US President Donald Trump, and attributed some issues to previous under-investment in defence.
- He outlined measures being taken, including deploying air defence systems to Gulf partners and embedding UK airspace battle management specialists in the Middle East.
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