Burnham grants US access to UK bases for Iran operations
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New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved continued US access to British military bases for operations in Iran, following a cabinet meeting held by his predecessor Keir Starmer on Friday. The decision allows US bombers to use the Chagos Archipelago base and RAF Fairford in England. Burnham was briefed on the outcome and upheld the ruling.
Cabinet Decision
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss US use of British bases amid renewed Middle East conflict. Officials voted to permit continued US access, and the decision was relayed to Andy Burnham, who assumed office on Monday. Burnham, after being briefed, upheld the cabinet's ruling.
Bases Involved
US bombers operate from the British base on the Chagos Archipelago and RAF Fairford in England. The Chagos base, located in the Indian Ocean, provides strategic reach for long-range missions. Fairford, in Gloucestershire, has historically supported US bombing campaigns in the Middle East.
New Government Formation
Burnham is currently forming his cabinet and has held calls with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, as well as the head of the European Commission. He officially assumed office after an audience with King Charles III. The new administration faces immediate foreign policy challenges.
What's Next
Burnham is expected to announce his full cabinet lineup within days. It remains unclear whether the UK will expand base access or impose new restrictions as the Iran situation evolves.
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Burnham grants US access to UK bases for Iran operations
