The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him not to entangle Britain in what could become a direct military confrontation with Iran.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Saturday, June 21, the IHRC expressed alarm over reports indicating that Washington is preparing to support Israel in a bombing campaign against Iran, possibly commencing this weekend.
The campaign is reportedly being justified based on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—a claim contradicted by US National Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who maintains that Iran is not actively developing such arms.
The IHRC warns that if the United States proceeds, Britain may come under diplomatic pressure to align with the operation.
Legal concerns have also been raised, with reports suggesting that the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has cautioned the government that any move to join military action against Iran could be unlawful.
The letter further criticises Starmer for what it describes as a policy of appeasement and complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza. It argues that the government’s unwavering support has emboldened Israel to target neighbouring states, under the assumption of Western protection.
“It would be bad enough if your response was just lily-livered and inadequate. However, it is much worse. Not only have you failed to condemn the genocide properly, but you have deployed British military assets, namely our intelligence-gathering services, to assist Israel in prosecuting it. Along with your abject knee-flexing to the Israeli government, it has made you a willing accomplice in crimes against humanity,” says the letter.
The IHRC also warned that participation in such a conflict would put British national security at risk and could echo the consequences of military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The letter concludes by cautioning Starmer that disregarding legal advice could leave his legacy tarnished in the same way as former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, referring to him as “a butcher and a war criminal.”
