Alex Phillips, sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, discusses reports that Middle East allies are angry about the Labour government’s handling of the conflict in Iran.

Questions continue over the UK’s military posture, the security of British bases overseas, and reports that cabinet minister Ed Miliband advised Keir Starmer against allowing the US to use UK bases, leading to Keir Starmer’s initial refusal to allow the US to use them to launch strikes on Iran.

On this episode, Brendan O’Neill argues the UK should stand “shoulder to shoulder” with our allies and confront the Iranian regime’s role in the conflict.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry assesses the state of UK defence capability, including the readiness of our Type 45 destroyers, threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and the wider global implications for energy security and deterrence.

Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox then discusses the UK’s role in the world, the Chagos/Diego Garcia issue, and concerns raised by allies in Washington and the Gulf.

Also: UK’s rules of engagement, RAF Akrotiri and RAF Fairford, IRGC proscription, regional energy risk, and whether Britain is becoming “irrelevant and invisible” on the international stage.

Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.

Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.

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