Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) criticized United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his handling of the war in Iran during a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, according to remarks delivered on Mar. 11.
Kennedy’s comments focused on what he described as inconsistent support from Starmer regarding the use of UK military bases by American forces and questioned the prime minister’s defense spending plans. The issue is significant as it highlights ongoing debates about international cooperation and defense commitments among allied nations.
“Everything I just told you, the prime minister of the United Kingdom knew. He had the same intelligence we had,” Kennedy said. He continued, “When it came time for us to intervene, he said, you cannot use any United Kingdom air force bases or military bases, none, zero, nada. He specifically said that you can’t use Diego Garcia, the joint U.S.-United Kingdom military base in the Indian Ocean that Keir Starmer is trying to give away to Mauritius.” Kennedy added that once momentum shifted in favor of pro-freedom forces during the conflict, “Prime Minister Starmer changed his mind. Now he says you can use our bases. Thank you very much. It’s a little late. We don’t need you.”
Kennedy also criticized Starmer’s advice to President Trump about conducting military operations: “That’s a little bit like seeking the advice of a nun about sex. So, Keir Starmer is the last person you would want to go to advise you about how to have a military confrontation.” He further questioned Starmer’s defense budget promises: “He says, ‘Oh, we’ve changed our ways… We’re now going to spend 2.6% of our GDP on defense by 2027.’ … Then I read the report. The cash is backloaded… He is not going to even start spending the money… until the 2030s… Talk about sleight of hand.”
Kennedy concluded with a challenge: “Now, if I’m wrong, I hope the prime minister will respond. But if I’m right, shame on him… for looking the good people of the United Kingdom in the eye and … lying and saying that … [they] would do its part when … [he] has no intention whatsoever.”
According to the official website, Kennedy represents Louisiana and operates district offices across several cities including Alexandria and Baton Rouge. He has engaged constituents through newsletters and public events according to his official website. Kennedy has advanced policies supporting veterans, farmers, small businesses and national security according to his official website. He has chaired committees such as Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and served on Appropriations, Budget and Energy and Natural Resources committees according to his official website.
The broader implications of Kennedy’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between allied governments over strategic decisions in times of conflict and questions about long-term defense commitments.
