Jeremy Corbyn, the Independent Member of Parliament for Islington North and former leader of the Labour Party, has tabled a Bill that would require parliamentary approval for the deployment of UK armed forces and for the use of British military bases by other nations in armed conflicts.
The legislation, formally titled Military Action (Parliamentary Approval) (No. 2) Bill, seeks to prevent the UK government from authorising foreign military operations without Parliament’s consent.
It also provides for the withdrawal of permission if approval is not granted and includes certain exemptions and provisions for retrospective parliamentary approval in specific circumstances.
Speaking on the Bill, Corbyn said, “We must learn the lessons of the past — and stop our Prime Minister from dragging Britain into another catastrophic, illegal war.”
The move comes amid growing controversy over Britain’s indirect involvement in the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The UK government has authorised the use of some British bases in support of allied operations, though it maintains that British forces are not directly participating in offensive action.
Corbyn criticised this decision, calling it “a catastrophic and historic mistake” and warning that it makes the UK complicit in what he described as an illegal war of aggression.
“Allowing British bases to be used in an illegal war of aggression is a catastrophic and historic mistake,” he said.
“Britain has been dragged into another war because our Prime Minister would rather appease Donald Trump than stand up for international law.”
The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 150 schoolchildren. Iran has retaliated, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Corbyn drew parallels with the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, which he opposed, saying the humanitarian consequences then — and now — underscore the need for parliamentary oversight. “Political leaders should learn the lessons of history, and stand up for international law, sovereignty and peace,” he said.
He also described the current crisis as a confrontation between “two rogue nuclear powers” and urged that diplomatic avenues should have been fully explored. “War is not a game,” he said.
“This shameful decision makes Britain complicit in the devastating consequences ahead — and jeopardises the safety of us all. Peace and diplomacy was possible.”
While the UK government has not declared a formal war, Corbyn and other opposition MPs continue to press for scrutiny over Britain’s involvement, calling for transparency and stronger parliamentary oversight.
International observers have urged restraint as tensions in the Middle East threaten to destabilise the wider region.