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UK rejects claims of slow response to Middle East crisis
The head of Britain's armed forces has dismissed accusations that the UK was unprepared for the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling the current period "probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years."
Military chief addresses delays in deploying HMS Dragon
Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC on Saturday that the UK had been reinforcing its presence in the region for weeks. However, he did not specify when the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, currently docked in Portsmouth, would depart.
The ship, undergoing maintenance, is expected to set sail "in the next few days," once it is fully loaded with ammunition. Knighton did not provide an estimated arrival time in the Mediterranean, where France and Greece have already positioned military assets near Cyprus.
Drone attack on RAF Akrotiri linked to Iranian-backed group
Knighton confirmed that a drone targeting the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was assessed to have been launched from Lebanon by an Iranian-aligned faction. He rejected claims that Britain's response had been too slow, emphasizing that the priority was protecting British citizens and interests.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had earlier echoed this stance, stating that the UK's actions were guided by strategic caution rather than hesitation.
Opposition accuses government of indecision
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer's approach during her speech at the party's Spring Conference in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. She accused the prime minister of "sitting on the fence" and failing to provide decisive leadership.
"At a time when Britain needs strong and decisive leadership, we have a prime minister who is too afraid of making the wrong decision, too afraid to make any decision at all."
Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition
Badenoch claimed that allies had described the UK as "weak" and accused it of "deserting them," contrasting Britain's delayed deployment of HMS Dragon with the swift actions of the US, Greece, and France.
UK denies readiness issues despite rising defence demands
Knighton acknowledged that military pressures were increasing but denied that recent defence cuts had hindered the UK's response. Downing Street also rejected suggestions that the government had failed to adequately prepare for the crisis.
According to Knighton, the UK had been reinforcing its posture in the region for weeks, with additional Typhoon and F-35 jets, along with over 400 personnel, deployed to Cyprus to bolster airspace defence. He stated that ministers had approved the proposed response by Tuesday, just days after the conflict erupted.
US bombers arrive in UK amid escalating tensions
The conflict entered its eighth day on Saturday, with ongoing strikes across the region. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that attacks on Iran were "about to surge dramatically."
The US landed its first B-1 Lancer bomber at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday, following Starmer's approval for "defensive" US operations against Iranian missile sites from UK bases. Three more B-1 aircraft arrived on Saturday morning. The bombers, capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles, have previously been used for long-range strikes.
Knighton expressed confidence that the US would adhere to the defensive mandate for its operations from UK soil. When asked about deeper UK involvement, he stated that all options remained under review but reiterated that the focus was on safeguarding British interests.
Evacuation efforts continue as airspace closures disrupt travel
A third charter flight is scheduled to depart from Muscat, Oman, on Sunday as part of the UK government's efforts to repatriate British nationals from the Middle East. Widespread airspace closures have affected major airports, including those in Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, disrupting commercial flights.
