UK to send extra jets to Qatar as PM plays down rift with Trump
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London, March 5, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Keir Starmer said on Thursday the “special relationship” between Britain and the United States remains intact despite criticism from Donald Trump over Britain’s contribution to the war against Iran.
“The special relationship is in operation right now,” Starmer told a news conference. He cited cooperation in the region and said intelligence is being shared on a 24/7 basis.
Trump criticised Starmer on Monday after Britain denied the United States permission to use British military airbases in the Chagos Islands for offensive strikes against Iran, according to the information provided.
Starmer played down suggestions of a rift and said each leader would take decisions they consider to be in their national interest.
Starmer also addressed scrutiny of Britain’s preparedness after a British airbase in Cyprus was hit by a drone attack on Monday. He said defensive assets were deployed to Cyprus in January and February and that officials continue to bolster capability there.
He said four more Typhoon fighter jets would be deployed to Qatar and that the government has chartered an aircraft to support repatriation efforts for people stranded in the Middle East.
