Latest news with #LordRicketts
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump's state visit could be set for Parliament recess to stop him addressing MPs, senior diplomat says
Donald Trump 's state visit could be scheduled while Parliament is in recess to stop him giving a speech to MPs, a senior diplomat said yesterday. The US President has been offered a historic second state visit in a charm offensive designed to smooth relations with Labour politicians who criticised him in opposition. Whitehall sources had suggested it could include inviting Mr Trump to make a joint address to both Houses of Parliament. But former Foreign Office chief Lord Ricketts said the visit, expected in September, will take place during the parliamentary recess to avoid any prospect of such a speech. Lord Ricketts suggested ministers are anxious to limit the President's public statements while in the UK to prevent him going off-message. There are also concerns Left-wing MPs could stage protests if he is invited to address them. Lord Ricketts fears Mr Trump's visit could be more fraught than that of French leader Emmanuel Macron, who will address both Houses of Parliament today. He said: 'Diplomatically, it is going to be more of a high-wire act. The Macron visit can be guaranteed to be positive. 'The tactic [with Mr Trump] will be to load up the pomp and circumstance... in the hope he will then feel positive and there won't be anything untoward said. 'The risk will be the Press conferences and what he might say away from the state visit itself. It's going to be a nail-biting few days.' Speaking to the BBC, Lord Ricketts added: 'I think the Trump visit will come in the parliamentary recess – that may be convenient. 'I suspect there won't, unfortunately, be an occasion for President Trump to address the joint Houses of Parliament.' A number of US presidents have addressed both Houses, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Controversial figures such as Chinese leader Xi Jinping have also had the honour, and denying Mr Trump the same privilege risks being seen as a diplomatic snub. Plans for him to address Parliament during his state visit in 2018 were axed after the then Speaker John Bercow vowed to block the move over Parliament's opposition to 'racism and sexism'. At the time, now-Foreign Secretary David Lammy branded Mr Trump a 'woman-hating, neo- Nazi-sympathizing sociopath'. Twenty Labour MPs, including ex-frontbenchers Diane Abbott, John McDonnell and Clive Lewis, have signed a Commons motion claiming Mr Trump's 'misogynism, racism and xenophobia' mean it would be 'inappropriate' for him to address Parliament.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Experts warn of 'new era' of terrorism and say the risks of Trump's military strategy in Iran 'are incalculably high'
The world is facing a 'new era' of terrorism after the US strikes on Iran, experts warned yesterday. Donald Trump 's surprise decision to attack Tehran's nuclear facilities – just days after the US President seemed to back away from the idea – radically increases the risk of 'likely' retaliation, former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts cautioned. While the UK was not involved in the action, the Government was informed before the strikes happened, ministers confirmed yesterday. Despite speculation any attack could be launched from the joint UK/US airbase on Diego Garcia – where the B-2 stealth bombers used have previously been based – the mission was flown from mainland America, leaving Britain to watch on with the rest of the world after the raids took place. Lord Ricketts said the Government would be 'relieved' to have been left out of the operation. He added: 'That would have meant that the UK would have had to take a view on the legality of this – that they avoided doing.' The Attorney General, Lord Hermer, is understood to have advised the Prime Minister that any involvement would be illegal under international law. But Sir Keir Starmer had still been facing tricky questions about what position to take should Mr Trump ask for permission to use Diego Garcia or call on the 'special relationship' for assistance in any attack. After the bombing raids, Sir Keir said: 'Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat. 'The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.' Lord Ricketts, a crossbench peer, described the situation in the Middle East as 'dangerous and very unpredictable', adding that some kind of retaliation from Iran, led by its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is 'likely'. He told BBC News: 'This is a major strike against their key strategic assets and so I think we have to expect that they will tryto get back at American bases, American economic installations, possibly even America's allies.' And Dr Leslie Vinjamuri, of think-tank Chatham House, said the risks of Mr Trump's strategy were 'incalculably high'. He added: 'If Iran attacks US assets and especially US personnel in the region, if the US is dragged further into direct conflict, if this launches a new era of terrorism, if this leads to more rather than less stability, then the cost to a President who has staked his success on staying out of war and delivering peace will be high.' Iran was the first foreign power to be listed on Britain's new enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, aimed at protecting the UK from malign foreign influence. The scheme, due to come into force in July, means anyone who is directed by Iran to carry out activities in the UK must declare it or face five years in prison. The Home Office will also introduce new laws that will allow the UK to proscribe state-based groups such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It comes as a British man, who is alleged to have links with the IRGC, was arrested on suspicion of espionage and terrorism offences in Cyprus over the weekend. Local media reported that he had been keeping RAF Akrotiri – the UK's most important airbase for operations in the Middle East – under surveillance.'Hours, not days' before Britons trapped in Israel are evacuated Evacuations from Israel should start within hours, not days, a Cabinet minister revealed last night. The Foreign Office announced it was preparing a flight for British nationals and their dependents, despite ongoing Iranian missile strikes over the weekend. Government sources said they expect Israeli airspace to be reopened, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisting that they intended for the evacuation plane to leave Israel in 'hours, not days'. Flights are set to partially resume from Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, today. Sir Keir Starmer also urged Britons in Israel to contact the Foreign Office 'so we can facilitate whatever support is needed'. He said: 'As soon as we can get charter flights off, we will do so.' The Foreign Office has warned Britons not to go to the airport unless they are contacted. Citizens have been told to register their interest in evacuation, with further flights to be 'considered depending on demand and the latest security situation'. According to Israel, 22,000 tourists are seeking evacuation flights – it is unclear how many are British.
The Guardian
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Please don't ask': why the US kept the UK out of the raids on Iran's nuclear sites
The US did not ask to use UK airbases to support its overnight bombing of Iran because that would have required British ministers to take a view on the legality of the attack, according to a former government adviser. Lord Ricketts, a former UK national security chief, said he believed the US concluded it was better not to ask to launch B-2 bombers from the RAF base of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean than to be told no. 'Either the Americans worked it out, or were privately told please don't ask, because it would raise fundamental questions about our taking part,' Ricketts said. 'The US has a different view on international law than the UK does.' On Sunday morning, Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, said that 'no request was made' by the US for help in the bombing. No British airbases or any other military assets were involved in Operation Midnight Hammer, ministers added. The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the UK had been 'given due notice' of President Donald Trump's intention to bomb Iran, though it is unclear how far in advance this may have been of the bombing raid that took place just before midnight UK time. Officials said notification occurred 'shortly before' the US strikes were launched. In the past, Britain has been eager to act as the US's principal military ally in the Middle East, most notably in 2003 when the UK participated in the controversial ground invasion of Iraq when Tony Blair, then the prime minister, sought to work closely with former president George W Bush. But on this occasion the UK has largely acted as a bystander and has not always appeared to read the ultimate intentions of the US president, who is notoriously unpredictable. Last Tuesday at the G7 summit in Banff, Canada from which Trump departed early because of the Iran crisis, Starmer said there was 'nothing the president said that suggests that he's about to get involved in this conflict', having sat next to him at dinner the previous evening. Those present said that the prime minister seemed confident, even unequivocal in his analysis of the situation. After the summit, reports circulated that the government's most senior lawyer, Richard Hermer, was unconvinced that any UK military involvement in attacking Iran would be legal. One official who had seen Hermer's legal advice told the Spectator 'the AG has concerns about the UK playing any role in this except for defending our allies'. B-2 bombers frequently use the RAF base at Diego Garcia, which is a shorter flight over water to Iran but, as is the case with the use of all UK bases by the US air force, it would require British permission. Similar authorisation would be needed for the US to use RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for refuelling, though that too was not sought. A graphic released by the Pentagon showed seven B-2 bombers flying from their home base at Whiteman, Missouri across the Atlantic and avoiding passing over European countries by flying over the strait of Gibraltar and through the Mediterranean before going on to Iran via Israel, Jordan and Iraq, a flight path of more than 8,000 miles. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said on Sunday morning that 'no other country on planet Earth' could have conducted the bombing raid on Iran, which he later emphasised 'was US operated and US led'. Only assistance from Israel was acknowledged by Gen Dan Caine, the US chair of the joint chiefs of staff, in the former of prior attacks to degrade Iranian air defences. Under international law, a country is allowed to fight in self-defence and the prevailing view is that pre-emptive military strikes are legal if it is believed an incoming military threat is imminent – though the US argues the right of self-defence applies broadly against any illegal use of force against itself or its allies. In justifying the bombing raid on Sunday, Hegseth did not mention the question of imminence. He said: 'The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear programme and the collective self-defence of our troops and our ally Israel.' 'I think to a certain degree the UK government will be relieved' that the US did not ask for help, said Matthew Savill, a former civil servant now with the Royal United Services Institute thinktank. But he cautioned that, despite that, the UK 'could get sucked into the regional blowback' in the form of attacks by Iran or its proxies. On Sunday, UK defence officials said that additional steps had been taken to protect British forces in the Middle East after the US bombing. Force protection at sites such as Akrotiri in Cyprus – where at least 14 Typhoon fighters are stationed – and naval bases in Oman and Bahrain were at the 'highest level,' the defence secretary, John Healey, said. Starmer called for restraint in the response to US strikes on Iran, warning of the possibility of escalation beyond the Middle East. The prime minister spoke to the king of Jordan and the sultan of Oman and called for talks that would end the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme. 'It is important that we now de-escalate the situation, stabilise the region and get the parties back around the table to negotiate,' he told broadcasters on Sunday morning. 'I'm very clear in my own mind that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon that is the greatest threat to stability in the region.'
Sky News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Israel-Iran live: Iran issues threat to UK, France and US if they help Israel stop strikes; '60 killed' in Tehran
IDF: 'The way to Iran has been paved' Some remarks to bring you now from the IDF. The chiefs of the General Staff and Air Force said this morning the way to Iran "has been paved". Speaking in this morning's assessment of the situation, the military said it is proceeding "according to its operational plans". Fighters jets are set to resume strikes in Tehran, it added. Iran warns it will hit UK ships and bases if they defend Israel Iran has warned the UK, US and France not to help Israel stop its strikes on the country. Tehran said they will target ships and bases belonging to the three countries in the region if they do not step back. That's according to comments reported by Iranian state media. Israeli attacks likely to unite Iranian people behind leaders, says former British diplomat It's unlikely Iran's population will want to see regime change as a result of Israeli attacks. That's the view of Lord Ricketts, a former British diplomat who served as the UK's first national security adviser between 2010 ad 2012. While the regime is "very unpopular" in Iran, he said the immediate impact of Israel's strikes may boost those in power. "Clearly, Netanyahu and many people in Israel would love to see the back of the mullahs and the ayatollahs, and they are very unpopular in Iran," he said. "My question is, would they want to see the regime change because of this attack from Israel? I rather doubt that. "I think the short-term effect will be rather to bring the population behind the leaders in the circumstances of a massive attack on the country in that time." Around 60 people killed in Israeli attack, including 20 children - Iranian state TV According to Iranian state TV, 20 children are among 60 people killed in an Israeli attack. The report says the strike was on a housing complex in the capital, Tehran. More details on two people killed in central Israel We have some more information to bring you now on reports of an Iranian attack on the central city of Rishon Lezion. Two people were killed, according to Israel's paramedic service Magen David Adom, and 19 injured (see our 5.40am post). MDA has confirmed a man aged around 45 and a woman around 60 were the two who died. "A woman around 60 was rescued without signs of life, a man around 45 was evacuated in critical condition while undergoing CPR and was later pronounced dead," the service said. Of the 19 hurt in the attack, 16 have minor injuries, two have been moderately injured and one has a serious injury, MDA added. "This was a difficult and complex scene, and we are continuing to search to ensure no one remains trapped," the service said. 'Limited damage' to nuclear facility, Iran says Iran says its Fordow nuclear facility sustained "limited damage" during Israeli attacks. In comments reported by semi-official ISNA news agency this morning, a spokesperson for the country's atomic energy organisation said: "There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site. "We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns." Sky News verified sites struck by Israel as of last night, which you can see below. Lebanon to shut airspace Lebanon will be closing its airspace at 10.30pm local time, according to a local news agency. As we reported just minutes ago in the post below, the country reopened its airspace for the day at 10am local time (8am in the UK). Once it closes tonight, it will reopen at 6am tomorrow. Lebanon reopens airspace Lebanon has reopened its airspace, according to state news agency NNA. Flights have been allowed to resume since 10am local time (8am UK). This follows Jordan's decision to clear its skies for take-off earlier this morning - see our 6.26am post. In pictures: Rubble in Israeli city after Iranian attack This is the scene in Ramat Gan, a city in the Tel Aviv district, following an Iranian attack there. Several buildings were struck, including an apartment block in a residential neighbourhood. Iran warns strikes will continue - and conflict will 'spread' to US bases Iran's Fars news agency reports senior military officials have warned strikes on Israel will continue. They are also quoted as saying the conflict will spread to US bases in the region over the coming days. "This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue," Fars cited an unnamed official as saying. "And this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors."
Sky News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Israel-Iran live: Iran warns strikes 'will spread to US bases' after retaliatory attack on Israel; '60 killed' in Tehran
Iranian state TV says 20 children are among 60 killed in Tehran, while deaths and dozens of injuries have been reported in Israel after Iran struck overnight. Watch how Iran's retaliatory attack unfolded and follow the latest updates below. 09:40:01 Israeli attacks likely to unite Iranian people behind leaders, says former British diplomat It's unlikely Iran's population will want to see regime change as a result of Israeli attacks. That's the view of Lord Ricketts, a former British diplomat who served as the UK's first national security adviser between 2010 ad 2012. While the regime is "very unpopular" in Iran, he said the immediate impact of Israel's strikes may boost those in power. "Clearly, Netanyahu and many people in Israel would love to see the back of the mullahs and the ayatollahs, and they are very unpopular in Iran," he said. "My question is, would they want to see the regime change because of this attack from Israel? I rather doubt that. "I think the short-term effect will be rather to bring the population behind the leaders in the circumstances of a massive attack on the country in that time." 09:19:13 Around 60 people killed in Israeli attack, including 20 children - Iranian state TV According to Iranian state TV, 20 children are among 60 people killed in an Israeli attack. The report says the strike was on a housing complex in the capital, Tehran. 09:11:01 More details on two people killed in central Israel We have some more information to bring you now on reports of an Iranian attack on the central city of Rishon Lezion. Two people were killed, according to Israel's paramedic service Magen David Adom, and 19 injured (see our 5.40am post). MDA has confirmed a man aged around 45 and a woman around 60 were the two who died. "A woman around 60 was rescued without signs of life, a man around 45 was evacuated in critical condition while undergoing CPR and was later pronounced dead," the service said. Of the 19 hurt in the attack, 16 have minor injuries, two have been moderately injured and one has a serious injury, MDA added. "This was a difficult and complex scene, and we are continuing to search to ensure no one remains trapped," the service said. 08:53:01 'Limited damage' to nuclear facility, Iran says Iran says its Fordow nuclear facility sustained "limited damage" during Israeli attacks. In comments reported by semi-official ISNA news agency this morning, a spokesperson for the country's atomic energy organisation said: "There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site. "We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns." Sky News verified sites struck by Israel as of last night, which you can see below. 08:16:01 In pictures: Rubble in Israeli city after Iranian attack This is the scene in Ramat Gan, a city in the Tel Aviv district, following an Iranian attack there. Several buildings were struck, including an apartment block in a residential neighbourhood. 08:01:33 Iran warns strikes will continue - and conflict will 'spread' to US bases Iran's Fars news agency reports senior military officials have warned strikes on Israel will continue. They are also quoted as saying the conflict will spread to US bases in the region over the coming days. "This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue," Fars cited an unnamed official as saying. "And this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors." 07:59:55 Drones shot down in latest attacks, says Israel Following alerts sounded in Israel earlier this morning - see our 6.34am post - the military has provided an update. Reporting incoming drone attacks, the IDF has said two were shot down in the Upper Galilee area, in northern Israel. More alerts were activated over concerns around falling fragments. In a separate wave, Israel said it downed a "number" of drones in the Judea and Dead Sea areas. 07:28:54 Israel claims 'dozens' of jets flew over Tehran In a statement released in the past few minutes, Israel's air force commander has said its planes hit targets in the Iranian capital overnight. Major General Tomer Bar said Israel attacked "hundreds of targets", including anti-aircraft equipment. "We carried out a wave of precise strikes of operational and national significance over the skies of Tehran," he said, adding "dozens" of Israeli jets flew over the capital. "We chose to act in the face of an existential threat to the security of our citizens, with professionalism, determination and precision," he said. "The air force will continue to operate in all arenas, both defensively and offensively."
