Iran shock for Starmer

Iran shock for Starmer

From Political Fix by Financial Times

March 6, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the UK's response to the Iran war and the political pressures faced by Sir Keir Starmer.

A week into the Iran war and Sir Keir Starmer is scrambling to defend the UK’s position on the conflict. Criticised by Donald Trump over blocking the US from using British military bases to launch initial strikes on Iran, and under pressure from allies such as Cyprus to do more to protect the region, the PM is also facing demands to participate in strikes from the British right. But polling suggests the UK public is broadly in line with his policy on the conflict. This week host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and our economics editor, Sam Fleming, to discuss London’s response to the war. Plus, the panel examines chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring forecast and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s new immigration policy. Want more?    Keir Starmer calls for de-escalation and defends his leadership over Iran attacks In defence of hand-wringers and pearl-clutchers Trump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible’ Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill’ Rachel Reeves faces hazardous fiscal picture even without Iran war UK to further…

People in this episode

Host: Lucy Fisher

Guests: Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Sam Fleming

Topics covered

  • Iran conflict
  • UK politics
  • military strategy
  • public opinion
  • economic forecast
  • immigration policy

Keywords

  • Iran war
  • Keir Starmer
  • Donald Trump
  • UK military
  • public opinion
  • Rachel Reeves
  • immigration policy
  • political commentary

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC

Places: UK, Cyprus, Dubai

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