This morning Starmer said on BBC’s 5Live Breakfast that it is not in the UK’s “national interest” to get “dragged into the war”.

He said: “My decision has been very clear that whatever the pressure – and there has been some considerable pressure – we are not getting dragged into the war. The UK is not getting dragged into the war.

“That is not in our national interest because I’m not going to act unless there’s a clear lawful basis and a clear thought-through plan.”

The PM also said he held Iran responsible for the rising energy costs caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Where the blame lies, it’s Iran that has caused the restriction on traffic and vessels through the Gulf and they’re doing that in breach of international law,” Starmer said.