The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
Our Ref: BL05872 24 July 2026
Dear Secretary of State,
Re: Britain’s role in the ongoing Middle East conflict
I am writing to you as the Member of Parliament for Alloa and Grangemouth to express my
profound concerns over Britain’s role in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
As the United States continues consecutive night time strikes on Iran, including aircraft
sortieing from UK bases, there is a credible risk that Britain may be drawn into the wider
conflict.
I am sure you will be aware that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has now made threats
against UK bases which are being used by the US Air Force to launch bombing missions, and
that Britain’s policy on allowing the use of our bases has not been altered by the new Prime
Minister.
Notwithstanding the threats made against our bases and service personnel, I am horrified at
the thought that the UK is assisting the US in carrying out missions which may be targeting
civilian infrastructure, which is firmly against international humanitarian law.
With tens of thousands of civilians affected by these strikes, and many innocents being killed
including children at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in southern Minab, I am
extremely concerned over the UK’s involvement in what is an illegal war started by Donald
Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.
As things stand, the situation can only be described as an endless conflict, one which has
resulted in needless death, destruction and devastation. Aside the humanitarian disaster, which
alone is a major concern for many of my constituents, we are also feeling the widespread
economic fallout.
In order to avoid our bases and personnel coming in harm’s way, and to ensure Britain
remains on the right side of history in this ongoing conflict, I am urging you to make sure that
the UK is not playing an active part in this illegal war.
That includes the prohibition of UK bases being used by the US to launch offensive action.
Where the UK should take an active role is around the negotiating table to reduce tensions,
achieve a lasting ceasefire and ultimately peace.
I am hopeful you can provide reassurance for my constituents that as the new Secretary of
State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, you will do everything in your
powers to broker an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and destruction in the
region.
I look forward to your response,
Brian Leishman MP
The views expressed in the articles published on this website do not necessarily represent those of Liberation
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