MIDDLE EAST MELTDOWN: EX-PM

Ex-PM's war lecture sparks fury Calls for King to cancel US visit

- BY DAVE BURKE, JEREMY ARMSTRONG and DAN WARBURTON

THE father of a serviceman killed in the Iraq war yesterday called Tony Blair's apparent criticism of Keir Starmer for not backing the US-Israel war on Iran "a joke".

Former PM Sir Tony, who took the UK into the Iraq war in 2003 at the US's urging, reportedly told a private event: "I think we should have backed America from the very beginning"

He added: "If they are your ally and an indispensable cornerstone for your security... you had better show up when they want you to."

Critics said Sir Tony should be backing the UK government, not US leader Donald Trump.

It came as the US-Israel bombardment of Iran continued and Iran vowed to step up retaliation against US targets across the Middle East.

John Miller, whose 21-year-old son Simon was one of six Royal Military Policemen killed by a 600-strong mob in Iraq in 2003, said yesterday the current PM should not be taking Sir Tony's advice after he "led us into an illegal war".

Mr Miller, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, said he supported British action in Iran after a drone strike targeted the RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus.

But of Sir Tony's intervention, he said: "It's a joke. I don't know why he is given airtime to give his views on these things."

Labour MP Jon Trickett said of Sir Tony: "A prolonged period of silence would be most welcome, particularly on matters to do with war and peace in the Middle East, where his record is disastrous."

Fellow Labour MP Clive Lewis said: "This is the Prime Minister who led Britain into an illegal war whose consequences are still unfolding today. He's the last person the current prime minister should be turning to for advice."