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Yvette Cooper says UK will not ‘outsource’ foreign policy amid row with Trump
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized UK sovereignty in foreign policy, rejecting pressure to unconditionally support US actions despite recent criticism from Donald Trump.
Rejecting outside pressure, Cooper said the UK must 'take decisions ourselves' and that Sir Keir Starmer is 'right to stand up for Britain' on Sunday.
Facing initial blockage of base access, Trump criticised Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, calling him 'not Winston Churchill' after the UK blocked the use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia.
The Ministry of Defence said it reduced HMS Prince of Wales' notice to sail to five days, while four U.S. B1 Lancer bombers landed at RAF Fairford and the U.S. began defensive operations from Fairford and Diego Garcia this weekend.
Downing Street played down the spat, saying the special relationship is 'in operation' as Tony Blair urged backing the U.S. from day one while critics demanded swifter base access.
Cooper warned that lessons from Iraq and legal concerns justify caution, as a UK base in Cyprus was struck earlier this week and HMS Dragon is not expected until next week.
The United Kingdom "has not always agreed" with the United States and "does not subcontract foreign policy", said British diplomat Yvette Cooper, following US President Donald Trump's criticism of the initial lack of support from the British government in the war against Iran.
Six O'Clock News discuss the Starmer–Trump call, UK defensive use of RAF bases, and carrier preparations as Yvette Cooper asserts UK independence on Iran policy