Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that "decisions about what's in Britain's best interests are decisions for the Prime Minister" following a heated row with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the press in London this morning, Sir Keir directly addressed Mr Trump's criticisms, including his jibe about Winston Churchill.
The Prime Minister said: "Decisions about what's in Britain's best interests are decisions for the Prime Minister of Britain.
"That's how I've approached all of the questions and all of the decisions that I have had to make. It is really important. That's a fundamental principle."
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Directly addressing last night's telephone call, Sir Keir added: "I had a telephone call with President Trump yesterday.
"We talked about the conflict in Iran and the region and what we were doing together.
"That was important, but discussions with our US counterparts are happening at all levels."
However, Sir Keir insisted the UK and US will continue to work together "every single day" and assist one another through intelligence sharing.
Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Britain's stance
|PA
Last week, Mr Trump said he was “not happy with the UK” following a perceived lack of support for his war efforts.
Sir Keir has ruled out joining in with offensive actions, but confirmed the US would still be allowed to use British bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile bases.
The pair spoke yesterday in a phone call, their first conversation since the Middle Eastern conflict erupted.
Following the talk, Downing Street said in a statement: "The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region.
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Tony Blair says the UK should have joined airstrikes on Iran
| PA"The prime minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US soldiers.
"They looked forward to speaking again soon."
RAF jets have shot down missiles and drones fired by Iran at UK allies.
The HMS Prince of Wales, Britain’s flagship aircraft carrier, is on standby but the Government is yet to confirm whether it would be sent to the region.
Ex-Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair told a private event on Friday that the UK should have backed the strikes from the beginning.
He said the US was an “indispensable cornerstone” of the UK’s security, and allies should be ready to “show up” in the face of conflict, regardless of who the current president is.
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