Skip to content

MPs should get Iran conflict veto, Plaid says

Mark Palmer
Assistant editor, BBC Wales News
Getty Images Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth speaking at a conference. He is sitting in front of a green and yellow wall. Getty Images
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the US's attack on Iran's nuclear sites was "a mistake"

MPs should have the opportunity to veto any plans for UK military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, Plaid Cymru has said.

The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran at the weekend after escalation between Israel and Iran entered its third week.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for de-escalation as Iran and Israel still launch missiles at each other's territory.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is due to make a statement to MPs in the Commons later on the conflict.

US President Donald Trump said the US military had carried out "massive, precision strikes" on three key nuclear facilities in Iran following concerns about reports Tehran was working on a nuclear missile programme.

Iranian officials confirmed sites were struck but denied they suffered any major damage and have vowed there would be "everlasting consequences" following the US strikes.

Sir Keir stressed the UK was not involved in the US strikes.

He also warned of the risk of escalation, and said he wanted to reassure people "we're doing everything we can to stabilise the situation".

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the US attack was "a mistake" which could lead to "potentially catastrophic consequences".

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, ap Iorwerth said: "Yes, we agree with Sir Keir Starmer that de-escalation has to be the goal now but we need assurances here for example and we are asking for assurances that there will be a vote in the UK Parliament before there was a possibility of the UK being sucked into this action – which we think should not happen".

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson MP David Chadwick backed the call for a vote in Parliament on any UK military action in the Israel/Iran conflict.

He said: "The Liberal Democrats led the opposition to the Iraq War in 2003, and we remain firmly opposed to the UK becoming entangled in another adventurist conflict in the region.

"Our focus must be on diplomacy, targeted sanctions against the Iranian regime, and de-escalation. This is the only way to successfully contain Iran over the long term."