Voters are split over Sir Keir Starmer’s response to the outbreak of war in the Middle East, new polling has shown.
The prime minister has faced criticisms across the political spectrum over his handling of the conflict since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran last month.
Donald Trump unleashed yet another rant directed at the prime minister on Monday, saying he is “not happy” with Sir Keir after he rejected the US president’s calls to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
But at home, voters are split on the prime minister’s response to the war, with 41 per cent of voters thinking the prime minister has handled it badly, while 37 per cent believe he has responded well.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by Sky News, also found those who voted for Labour in 2024 were more likely to think the prime minister has handled the outbreak of war well, at 59 per cent.
Britain did not join the initial strikes on Iran, prompting continued criticism from Mr Trump, but has since allowed US forces to use British bases to strike in a defensive capacity.
The poll also showed the vast majority, 70 per cent, of voters oppose the UK joining the US’s offensive, while only 17 per cent support.
Meanwhile, 57 per cent believe Mr Trump was wrong to take military action in Iran, and only 18 per cent support it.
Sir Keir said on Monday the UK “will not be drawn into the wider war” after threats by Mr Trump if the UK and other Nato countries refuse to send warships to protect oil supplies in the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks, Iran has restricted the passage of ships through the key oil route, where about 20 per cent of the world’s daily oil usage passes through.
But on Monday, the prime minister did not rule out getting involved in getting the straits open, but said: “We want as many partners as possible involved as possible.”
In a bid to address concerns at home, Sir Keir announced a £53 million support package to help households grappling with spiralling energy costs on Monday.
The measures come as 84 per cent of voters surveyed in the poll said action should be taken to reduce energy prices for all households.
However, 73 per cent of people think action should be taken to support the least well-off households, and 75 per cent think the government should take action to reduce energy prices for businesses.
