Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the government’s actions on Iran and praised Muslims as “the face of modern Britain” during a Ramadan Iftar event in Westminster.

Starmer addressed Muslim MPs and community leaders at the annual “Big Iftar” in Westminster Hall, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims.

In his speech, Starmer reflected on international tensions, including the war in the Gaza Strip, rising anti-Muslim hostility in Britain, and recent military escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

“I never supported the Iraq war in 2003, and I’m determined we learn and follow the lessons today,” he said.

Starmer stressed that the UK had not taken part in offensive strikes carried out by the US and Israel against Iran but defended Britain’s decision to allow the United States to use UK military bases to target Iranian missile infrastructure.

“The UK was not involved in the offensive strikes of the US and Israel and that remains the case,” he said.

The comments come after Donald Trump rebuked Keir Starmer for refusing to support US strikes on Iran and implied the decision could be linked to courting Muslim voters.

Public opinion in Britain is firmly opposed to military escalation. A recent YouGov poll found that 49% of the British public opposed US military action against Iran, compared with 28% in favour. The same survey showed half of the respondents opposed allowing the US to use British airbases, while only 30% supported the move.

Starmer’s decision to allow the United States to use British bases has drawn political pushback. On Wednesday, several parties and parliamentary groups tabled a bill that would require parliamentary approval before foreign governments could use British military bases to launch military operations.

‘Face of modern Britain’

Starmer told attendees that Ramadan strengthens community bonds and described it as a time “of great generosity, of service and of celebration.”

He described the UK as “a community of communities where Muslims are at the forefront of Britain’s story.”

He added: “You are the face of modern Britain.”

“You are all representatives of a Britain that is — by any historical or international standard — a success story when it comes to diversity. 

“That is the Britain I know. That I love. And the Britain we are. And it is my job and the job of my government to tell that deeper story and drown out the voices that seek to divide us.” 

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said: “We must not lose sight of them and the need for peace, justice and security in Palestine and Israel.”

The prime minister also warned of rising anti-Muslim hostility in Britain: “Reverberations from events like these always come home and they’re exploited by people in this country who want to sow divisions, and frankly, people who want to target Muslims because they are Muslims.”

The 9th Annual Parliamentary Big Iftar brought together politicians, community leaders and guests.

Hosted by Sarah Owen, the event also featured speakers from across the political spectrum, including Wes Streeting and Ed Davey. Journalist Mishal Husain, MP Naz Shah and Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Hussam Zomlot were also at the event.