Voters split over Starmer’s response to Iran war, polling shows
New polls have shown voters are divided over Sir Keir Starmer’s response to the war brewing in the Middle East.
The prime minister has faced criticism from across the political spectrum for his handling of the conflict since the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran last month.
Donald Trump launched another rant at the prime minister on Monday, saying he was “not happy” with Sir Keir, who rejected the US president’s call to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
But domestic voters are divided over the prime minister’s response to the war; 41 percent of voters think the prime minister handled the war poorly, while 37 percent believe he responded well.
YouGov survey, Commissioned by Sky NewsThe research also found that Labor voters in 2024 were more likely to think the prime minister handled the outbreak of war well, with 59 per cent.
Britain’s failure to participate in the initial attacks on Iran prompted continued criticism from Mr Trump, but he has since allowed US forces to use British bases to launch defensive strikes.
The poll also showed that the vast majority of voters (70 per cent) opposed Britain joining the US offensive, with only 17 per cent supporting it.
Meanwhile, 57 percent think Trump was wrong to intervene militarily in Iran, and only 18 percent support it.
Sir Keir said on Monday that Britain “will not be drawn into a wider war” if Britain and other NATO countries refuse to send warships to protect oil supplies in the Strait of Hormuz, following threats from Mr Trump.
Amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks, Iran has restricted the passage of ships through the key oil route through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s daily oil use passes.
But on Monday the prime minister did not rule out being involved in opening the straits, but said: “We want as many partners as possible to be involved.”
In a bid to ease concerns at home, Sir Keir on Monday announced a £53m support package to help households struggling with rising energy costs.
These measures come after 84 per cent of voters surveyed said action was needed to reduce energy prices for all households.
But 73 per cent of people think action should be taken to support the least affluent households and 75 per cent think the government should take action to reduce energy prices for businesses.
