EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham has approved the use of British military bases by the US for what the UK calls defensive strikes against Iran, in a continuation of Keir Starmer’s policy even as Trump ramps up his war. Starmer chaired a COBR meeting on Friday to discuss UK policy following the resumption of US operations and amid fears of an escalating conflict. Ministers at that meeting decided to continue the existing policy that bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford could be used by US planes countering the Iranian missile threat and sites used to target the Strait of Hormuz, sources say. Burnham, who became PM on Monday, was informed of the discussion and agreed with the decision taken, sources say. He will continue the previous government’s policy when it comes to approving UK bases for so-called defensive US strikes, they say. It means British bases are likely to be used for some of the current round of American operations. The decision emerges after the 10th day of renewed US action. US Central Command said it targeted Iranian military command centers, launch sites and air defences overnight. British officials have nonetheless been concerned about Trump’s threats to strike bridges and power plants. It is likely to provoke criticism from left-wing Labour MPs, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats who have argued use of the bases makes the UK complicit in war crimes.