Rachel Reeves Insists The UK Is Not 'At War' Despite RAF Jets Being Sent To Middle East

Israeli first responders work in a residential area hit by a missile fired from Iran, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, June 15, 2025.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)Rachel Reeves has insisted that the UK is not “at war” despite RAF jets being sent to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies.Prime minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that the move was to provide “contingency support across the region”.Additional refuelling aircraft have been deployed from UK bases and more fast Typhoon jets will be sent over, it is understood.It comes as the two countries continue their bombing campaigns against one another.Speaking to reporters travelling with him on a visit to Canada, Starmer said: “We are moving assets, we’ve already been moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support across the region. So that is happening.”The PM added: “Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we’re doing, all discussions we’re having are to do with de-escalation.”On Sky News this morning, Rachel Reeves said the jets had been deployed “to ensure that our assets and our people in the region are protected and also to support our allies”.She added: “The PM and our allies are urging de-escalation, that is what is really critical right now – calm heads and a de-escalation of the conflict.”Presenter Trevor Phillips then asked her: “When you say we’ve put assets into the area, does that mean we are at war?”The chancellor replied: “No, it does not mean that we are at war and we have not been involved in these strikes or this conflict.“But we do have important assets in the region and it’s right that we send jest to protect them. It’s a precautionary move and at the same time we are urging de-escalation.”Related...Israel's Attack On Iran: Why The UK Is 'Very Worried' About What Comes Next'Step Back': Keir Starmer Calls For 'Restraint And Calm' After Israel Strikes IranBBC Expert Explains Why Israel Has Taken A 'Massive Gamble' By Attacking Iran

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