Overview
- A JL Partners survey found the prime minister’s net rating improved by 26 points when respondents were told about his clash with President Trump over Iran.
- Trump has escalated public pressure by sharing an SNL UK sketch that mocked Starmer as a coward and by dismissing British aircraft carriers as “toys.”
- Earlier comments from Trump said the UK “should be involved enthusiastically” in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route in the Gulf.
- Starmer has refused to let the US use British bases for its initial bombing of Iran and says he will stay focused on the UK national interest rather than trade insults.
- YouGov polling shows 59% of Britons oppose military action and Trump’s net favorability is minus 65, a backdrop that supporters say could help Starmer fend off internal unrest.