Starmer has walked back his attack on Donald Trump after comparing to the US President to Vladimir Putin last week. Too rich for his blood?
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the PM was asked if he blamed Trump personally for rising prices as a result of the war:
“In terms of where the blame lies, it’s Iran that has caused the restriction on traffic and vessels through the Gulf, and they’re doing that in breach of international law… look we, the United Kingdom, were very clear that we weren’t going to get dragged into this war, and we’re not. But equally, we have been involved in defensive action, protecting British lives and British interests in the region.”
Asked again if he blamed Trump at all Starmer said “the increased costs are largely because of Iran’s actions in closing or partially closing the Strait of Hormuz.” Pressed on whether that is in retaliation to US and Israeli action, Starmer said “I mean, I’m not, look, I’m not going to get involved in that”…
On his trip to the Gulf just last week, Starmer said pointedly:
“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world.”
Add that to the list of U-turns from the PR PM…
Starmer said to Robert Peston this afternoon:
“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world.”