Keir Starmer's 'weak leadership' on Iran torn apart by top Tory: 'Disappointing!'

Mr Cartlidge expressed frustration at what he perceives as government indecision, declaring: "It's disappointing to see the Prime Minister unable to give strong leadership at a time when this country badly needs it."

The shadow minister argued that the Conservatives have maintained a consistent position on supporting allied action against Iranian nuclear capabilities, contrasting this with what he characterised as the government's reluctance to articulate a clear stance on the ongoing military campaign.

Mr Cartlidge recalled appearing on the same programme last June when US and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, noting that Labour had refused to say whether they supported that action.

He accused the Government of repeating this pattern, saying: "This is extraordinary to hear the same thing again, unable to say where they stand, sitting very awkwardly on the fence."

The shadow defence secretary suggested the Prime Minister had now performed a U-turn by granting permission for operations under different circumstances.

Mr Cartlidge said: "The Prime Minister is now effectively U-turning to grant permission in slightly different circumstances."

He maintained that the Conservatives had been transparent about their position, explaining that if America, as Britain's closest ally, determined further action was necessary against Iran's nuclear programme, a Conservative Government would have approved any request for assistance.

He told GB News: "If the US, our closest ally, judged that now was the time to take further action in respect of the Iranian nuclear program, not least because, presumably, the talks have shown Iran is not willing to give it up, then, yes, if they asked for permission, and hypothetically we were in government, we would grant it.

"We've been incredibly clear on that, and it's disappointing to see the Prime Minister unable to give strong leadership at a time when this country badly needs it."

Mr Cartlidge also addressed reports of a drone attack on a British base in Cyprus, describing the incident as "obviously concerning."

He explained that two drones had targeted the facility, with one intercepted and the other causing what appeared to be minor damage, though he cautioned that full verification was still needed.

The safety of British service personnel remained paramount, he stressed, adding: "I think we need to ensure that we've got all possible assets in place to defend our people, our personnel and our bases."

He lamented the absence of firm direction from Government, stating: "We just need that strong leadership, which we're not seeing at the moment."

Mr Cartlidge acknowledged that the situation had already escalated beyond its initial scope, warning that the stakes remained exceptionally high.

He described the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as "a terribly frightening prospect," pointing to the regime's willingness to fire missiles across the region and its record of killing tens of thousands of its own citizens.

While endorsing the military action as justified, he conceded it carried inherent dangers, stating: "There's no point in denying that. And one of those risks is a wider conflagration."

The shadow defence secretary emphasised the importance of standing firm alongside allies despite these concerns, noting that Iran's response demonstrated the true nature of the regime.

He expressed hope that the Prime Minister's expected statement would provide the decisive leadership the country required.