The prime minister has approached a complex geopolitical conflict with a level head – and most importantly, the support of the public

• Matt Western is the Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, and chairs the joint committee on national security strategy. He is writing in a personal capacity

Donald Trump’s demands for Keir Starmer’s unwavering support in the Iran strikes last week has echoes of earlier episodes in the US-UK “special relationship”.

The prime minister’s response has been striking. There were no Bush-style flying jackets or aviators. He resisted calls to wade blindly into another US war in the Middle East. Instead, he has supported the US where possible within the confines of international law, allowing the use of bases in defensive strikes, while protecting lives and prioritising British interests.

Matt Western is the Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, and chairs the joint committee on national security strategy. He is writing in a personal capacity

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