Keir Starmer clashes with defence chief over 'disastrous' failure to send warship to Iran

Sir Richard was asked by Britain's National Security adviser Jonathan Powell whether the navy should mobilise an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

The defence chief, who has never fought in a conflict and has only been stationed abroad once in Italy, supposedly scoffed at the idea of sending an aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean.

He responded by saying this was not necessary as Cyprus was essentially an aircraft carrier, considering it hosts RAF Akrotiri.

"We don't need the carrier [HMS Prince of Wales]," Sir Richard is reported as saying in The Spectator.

"We have an aircraft carrier – it's called Cyprus."

This decision meant that the UK lagged behind its European counterparts to come to the defence of its allies in the Middle East.

RAF Akrotiri was also left poorly defended initially as it was hit by a drone on March 1.

However, the Ministry of Defence reported "minimal damage" as a drone hit the base's runway.

Britain has spent £7billion on two aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, but the vessels have not been utilised.

The inaction from the UK has reportedly enraged Cyprus, Jordan and the UAE, with the UK looking like a bystander in this latest conflict.

No10 has denied any claims of a rift between the Prime Minister and Sir Richard.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The suggestion of any fracture in relations is ridiculous; the PM has huge respect for the Chief of Defence Staff.

"Sir Richard Knighton represents the very best of the British military.

"He has served his country with distinction for four decades."

The defence chief was given the role, which he has held since September 2025, to sort out the UK's defence budget.

However, the Defence Investment Plan is six months delayed with no indication that it will be published soon.