Home Office Minister Alex Norris has rejected claims that senior cabinet figures were against permitting American forces to utilise British bases for strikes on Iran, despite the Defence Secretary reportedly supporting such action.Speaking to GB News, Mr Norris stated: “That reporting is not accurate. We have been clear throughout that it is not in Britain’s interest to be part of an offensive war in the Middle East.”The minister maintained that the Government’s stance has remained consistent throughout the current crisis despite the claims against Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper.”We’ve been clear throughout, similarly, that we will protect Britain’s interest, and that’s why we’ve acted as we have. So, you know, I hear what you say, but it simply isn’t accurate,” he added.
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Addressing the postponed evacuation flight from Oman, Mr Norris acknowledged that a planned charter departure did not take off the previous evening as intended.”We were hoping that that would go last night. That wasn’t the case. That will go tomorrow,” he explained.The minister emphasised that regular commercial flights departing the region have continued with Government support, assisting both transit passengers and residents seeking to return home.He said: “There are flights leaving the region that we’ve been supporting to make sure that people who are either in transit or who were living in the region and wanted to come back to the UK have been able to do so.”For those awaiting the rescheduled charter, Mr Norris confirmed that officials are providing on-the-ground assistance at the airport and have arranged accommodation for stranded travellers.”I know that it’s a stressful situation. We’re working with them in the meantime,” he said, adding that additional flights would follow as the Government moves swiftly to support British nationals wishing to leave.When questioned about whether British naval assets should have been positioned in the region earlier, Mr Norris firmly disputed this characterisation of the situation.The minister pointed to a substantial military build-up that preceded the recent days of conflict, including enhanced air defence capabilities, upgraded radar systems and the deployment of F-35 fighter jets.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSKatie Lam hits out at ‘weak’ Keir Starmer for his PMQs ‘attack’ on grooming gangs: ‘He is incapable”Embarrassing!’ Keir Starmer torn apart by Grant Shapps for ‘pathetic’ handling of Iran warEd Miliband spearheaded Labour rebellion to US action in Iran after pushing ‘pacifist’ case”We have had that capacity. It was ready. It is being effective. Now we are seeking to build on that,” he stated.Mr Norris also referenced the deployment of HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters to the area as evidence of advance planning.”We’ve built up our air defence systems, we’ve built up our radar systems, we’ve deployed F-35s and you will have seen the impact that they’ve had in recent days,” he told GB News.The minister also pushed back against criticism from Bahrain, the UAE and Cyprus regarding Britain’s response to the crisis.Cyprus has reportedly been relying on the Netherlands, France and Greece for protection of the island, but Mr Norris urged critics to assess the Government’s performance based on results.”Again, I would say to people, judge us by what has been achieved in the last few days,” he remarked.He highlighted the defensive infrastructure that had been established, from air defence and radar systems to F-35 operations, as demonstrating Britain’s commitment to regional security.”Judge us by those systems that were built up… and the impact that they’re having and our role we’re playing in that collective security of ourselves and our allies, protecting British interests in the region,” Norris concluded.
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