Keir Starmer criticized Nigel Farage for attempting a sudden reversal on his stance regarding the conflict in Iran. The Prime Minister, during a session of Prime Minister’s Questions, condemned the Reform UK leader for lacking judgment and suitability for the Prime Minister role due to his party’s wavering position on the Middle East turmoil.

The critique arose when Labour MP Steve Witherden raised concerns about Reform UK’s intention to discard Labour’s labor rights legislation. The Prime Minister defended the Employment Rights Act, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding workers’ rights. He criticized Reform UK for proposing to dismantle these protections, labeling their approach as divisive and lacking sound judgment.

Following this exchange, Nigel Farage, next in line for a question at PMQs, pointed out that Norway had approved 49 drilling sites for oil and gas, contrasting with the lack of similar sites in the UK sector of the North Sea. He highlighted the country’s dwindling natural gas reserves and the potential for energy rationing, suggesting a shift in energy policy to emulate Norway.

In response, the Prime Minister acknowledged the long-term role of oil and gas in the energy mix but emphasized the consequences of rushing into war, referencing Farage’s initial support for military action against Iran. The Prime Minister criticized Farage and the Leader of the Opposition for their changing positions on crucial matters like war, stating that such errors are grave.

Notably, Nigel Farage recently reversed his stance on foreign military intervention, retracting his initial support for US-Israeli strikes against Iran. The Reform UK leader cited concerns about getting embroiled in another foreign conflict, signaling a shift in his party’s position on military engagement with Tehran.

The conflicting views within Reform UK on military action against Iran were highlighted, with Deputy leader Richard Tice and member Nadhim Zahawi previously endorsing British involvement, while Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick opposed it. Farage, when questioned about his stance at a petrol station in Derbyshire, emphasized the limitations of the UK’s defense capabilities and cautioned against entering another foreign war without the means to protect national interests.