Keir Starmer's Liaison Committee Appearance Amid Iran Conflict

On March 23, 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared before the House of Commons Liaison Committee to address the government's response to the ongoing Iran conflict and its economic implications. This session, which lasted 90 minutes, was marked by Starmer's attempts to navigate challenging questions regarding defense spending and the economic fallout from the crisis.

New Statesman

Starmer's performance was characterized by a blend of preparedness and caution. He faced scrutiny over the UK’s defense investment plan, particularly from Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin, who criticized the government for perceived complacency regarding military readiness. Starmer attributed the current state of the armed forces to a decade of underfunding by the previous Conservative government, stating, “this smacks of the fact that for years there was underinvestment by the last Government.”

Bloomberg

During the session, Starmer emphasized the importance of de-escalation in the Iran conflict, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding its duration. He stated, “We mustn’t fall into the sort of false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this.” He also confirmed that the UK was informed about ongoing discussions between the US and Iran, which included President Donald Trump's recent decision to postpone military action against Iran.

Bloomberg

Starmer outlined the government's approach to mitigating the economic impact of the conflict, particularly concerning rising energy prices. He indicated that ministers were exploring various measures to support households, especially the most vulnerable, as energy bills were expected to rise significantly. Starmer noted, “We’re looking across the board at what can be done, whether it’s cost of living or the support we need to put in.”

Bloomberg

The Prime Minister also mentioned the possibility of enhancing the powers of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to prevent price gouging during the crisis. He expressed awareness of the financial implications of previous universal energy bailouts, stating, “I’m acutely aware of how much it cost last time round, and I’m acutely aware of the state of the public finances.”

The Guardian

Despite Starmer's attempts to present a composed front, the session revealed underlying tensions regarding defense spending and the government's response to the crisis. Critics, including Jenkin, highlighted the urgency of addressing military readiness and questioned Starmer's commitment to timely action. The session's atmosphere was described as largely uneventful, with Starmer successfully deflecting more contentious inquiries.

Bloomberg

Starmer reiterated the UK’s stance on the Iran conflict, emphasizing that it is “not our war and we are not getting dragged into this war.” He also confirmed that the delayed defense investment plan was nearing completion but refrained from committing to specific timelines or funding sources.

Bloomberg

• “this smacks of the fact that for years there was underinvestment by the last Government” — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

New Statesman

• “We mustn’t fall in to the sort of false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this.” — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

Bloomberg

• “I’m acutely aware of how much it cost last time round, and I’m acutely aware of the state of the public finances, but we will look this afternoon at what the appropriate approach is,” — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

The Guardian

Starmer's appearance before the Liaison Committee highlighted the complexities of navigating the Iran conflict's ramifications while addressing domestic concerns. His responses reflected a cautious approach, balancing the need for immediate action with the realities of the UK's fiscal constraints and military readiness. The session underscored the ongoing challenges facing the Labour government as it seeks to manage both international and domestic pressures.

Bloomberg