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Starmer must ‘draw red lines’ around the use of British airbases as ceasefire between the US and Iran breaks down, Amnesty says
An F-35 jet (left) and a Typhoon FGR4 (right) at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, March 27, 2026

SIR KEIR STARMER must “draw red lines” around British air bases and airspace after yet another breakdown in the ceasefire between the US and Iran, Amnesty International UK has demanded.

Amnesty’s crisis response manager Kristyan Benedict slammed the Prime Minister, stating that Britain cannot “claim to stand for international law while handing over the keys to those who are dismantling it.”

Responding to the renewed threats to the fragile ceasefire, the human rights organisation called out the government for enabling the illegal US attacks on Iran.

Mr Benedict said the government’s “decision to greenlight British bases for use by US forces, while the US plays a leading role in continuing the violence and illegality, shows a profound lack of judgement, principles and leadership.

“Without end in sight, the UK should be doing everything in its power to protect civilians and the foundations of international law.

“This means urgently working with other world leaders to ensure a lasting, comprehensive ceasefire that comes into effect immediately and strengthen efforts to prevent atrocity crimes by the Iranian authorities against their own people.

“It also means finally stepping up and drawing red lines around UK air bases and airspace for use in this crisis.”

Mr Benedict added that the joint US-Israel attack on Iran was unlawful from the start, violating the UN Charter.

Amnesty said Britain should “in no way be enabling such illegality — and must immediately refuse the use of UK airbases and airspace for military operations that may also contribute to such violations.”

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