UK allowing US use of military bases could violate international law, rights groups warn

UK allowing US use of military bases could violate international law, rights groups warn Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Sat, 03/21/2026 - 11:47 Human Rights Watch calls for 'urgent clarification' from Prime Minister Keir Starmer on whether base usage compliant with international law Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media on the situation in the Middle East, at Downing Street in central London on 16 March 2026 (AFP) Off Rights groups are sounding the alarm over the legality of UK involvement in US military strikes on Iran , following the government's decision to allow American use of its military bases. In a letter to the prime minister, attorney general and foreign secretary seen by Middle East Eye, Human Rights Watch UK director Yasmine Ahmed demanded "urgent clarification" on the steps taken by the government to ensure that US military strikes conducted from its bases are compliant with international humanitarian law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed in early March that the UK had agreed to allow the US to use its military bases for what he said were defensive purposes.