Rishi Sunak praises RAF for shooting down Iranian drones
Rishi Sunak has heaped praise on the brave RAF forces who joined a US-led effort to protect Israel from incoming Iranian missiles on Saturday evening.
Speaking in the Commons for the first time since the perilous scenes, Mr Sunak confirmed that the UK had joined the effort alongside France and other partners in the region. He reported that the efforts intercepted “almost all of the missiles, saving lives in Israel and its neighbours”.
“We sent additional RAF Typhoons to the region as part of our existing operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.” The PM confirmed that British forces destroyed “a number” of Iranian drones, as well as providing important intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance support for British parters.
He lavished praise on Britain’s troops, saying that our pilots had put themselves in harm’s way “to protect the innocent and preserve peace and stability”.
“I spoke to the RAF earlier today, they are the best of the best and I know the whole house will join me in expressing that.”
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Mr Sunak praised the RAF's role in Saturday evening's events (Image: Parliament Live)
In a moving rallying cry promoting Britain’s role in keeping global peace, Mr Sunak said that events in the Middle East have a direct impact on the UK’s security and prosperity.
He told a silent Commons that British forces are meeting threats around the world “time after time”. “It’s why our pilots were in action this weekend. It’s why they have been policing the skies above Iraq and Syria for more than a decade.
“It’s why our sailors are defending the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea against the reckless attacks of the Iran-backed Houthi militia.
“It’s why our soldiers are on the ground in Kosovo, Estonia, Poland and more, and it’s why we have led the way in backing Ukraine and will continue to back them for as long as it takes.
“When adversaries like Russia or Iran threaten peace and prosperity, we will always stand in their way. Ready to defend our values and our interests, shoulder to shoulder with our friends and our allies.”
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Mr Sunak said the RAF is 'the best of the best' (Image: Getty)
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Mr Sunak said that the worrying events on Saturday night were not the act of a people, but of a despotic regime in Tehran. He warned the Ayatollah that Iran’s destabilising actions this weekend have not changed Britain’s policy on Israel, who must still be supported in their aims to reclaim its hostages in Gaza.
The PM said that had Iran’s actions succeeded, it would have been “catastrophic”. “The fall out for regional security and the toll on Israeli citizens would have been catastrophic. But, Mr Speaker, it did not succeed.”
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the Labour Party supported Britain’s involvement against Iran at the weekend, and welcomed the Government’s call for restraint from Israel.
He warned that Iran’s attack has left the world “a more dangerous place” and must be wholly condemned by all.
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The opposition leader warned that a full-blown war in the Middle East is in no one’s interests, and will only lead to more war and more instability.
He said Israel must show strength and courage in deescalating the situation after having successfully repelled the attack.
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