Watch in Full: Sir Keir Starmer responds to U.S. strikes on Iran | ITV News

We've long had concerns about the Iranian nuclear program and it's been very clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The U.S. has now taken action to alleviate that threat. It is important that we now de-escalate the situation, stabilize the region, and get the parties back around the table to negotiate. And I've been speaking with international leaders this morning to that end. So I want to reassure the public that we're doing everything we can to stabilize the situation, to de-escalate the situation, and to get to a negotiated outcome. But I'm very clear in my own mind that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. That is the greatest threat to stability in the region. Well, my focus is on de-escalating the situation. I accept your challenge that there is a risk of escalation. That's a risk to the region. It's a risk beyond the region. And that's why all our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear program. In relation to the U.K., we were not involved in the attack. We were given due notice, as we would expect as close allies to the U.S., and we have been moving assets to the region to make sure that we're in a position to protect our own interests, our personnel, and our assets, and of course those of our allies. Mr. Prime Minister, you're not going to speculate that we've been involved in a nuclear attack, and I know that your focus is on de-escalating the situation. How are you prepared for that, and what are you going to do about it? Well, I'm not going to speculate about what may happen, because all of my focus is on de-escalation. But I do want to reassure the public that we have taken all necessary measures to protect U.K. interests, U.K. personnel, and to work with our allies to protect their interests as well. That's what you'd expect. But my focus is on de-escalating the situation and dealing with the threat that is that nuclear program, but getting the parties around the table to negotiate an outcome for this. Mr. Prime Minister, given that you have said a number of different things, suggested a fast-moving strategy, and I'm wondering, even now, if that's what you expect about the fact that the U.S. has said no to a nuclear attack. Do you think it's too much of a strategy? Well, it's clearly a fast-moving situation. There's been a huge amount of discussion in the days since the G7 ended, and the U.S. has now taken the action to alleviate the threat that Iran's nuclear program poses. My position throughout this meeting is calling for de-escalation, to get people around the table to negotiate a better outcome diplomatically, and I've been talking to international leaders in recent days, but particularly intensely this morning, and will continue to do so during the course of today. Well, for British citizens, we've been saying for some time to register their presence, and as far as Israel is concerned, as soon as we can get our flights off, we will do so. But I urge all citizens to make contact with the Foreign Office, so that we can facilitate whatever support is needed. Thank you.