Sir Keir Starmer risked fresh accusations of flip-flopping today after rowing back on another leadership pledge.
Sir Keir promised a law to ensure military action is subject to approval by Parliament during his leadership campaign in 2020.
But the Labour leader supported the UK’s strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following attacks on shipping in the Red Sea which Rishi Sunak ordered without first giving MPs a vote.
Sir Keir insisted there is “no consistency” between his position on last week’s strikes and his previous calls for parliamentary oversight of military action.
He also refused to commit to his Prevention of Military Intervention Act as he suggested the change may not need to be in law.
Sir Keir told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “No, there is no inconsistency here.
“There is obviously a huge distinction between an operation, the like of which we have seen in the last few days, and military action, a sustained campaign, military action usually involving troops on the ground.
“That’s recognised by everybody. National security must come first.
“There will always be urgent situations where Parliament can’t be consulted beforehand.
“But the principle that if there’s to be a sustained campaign, if we’re going to deploy our troops on the ground, that Parliament should be informed, there should be a debate, the case should be made and there should be a vote, I do stand by that in principle absolutely.”
Pressed on whether he would introduce the law if he wins the next general election, Sir Keir said: “Well I want to codify that, it could be in a law, it could be by some other means. But yes I am absolutely clear that’s a principle I want to see entrenched.”
Sir Keir also refused to commit to blocking selling arms to Saudi Arabia.
He said: “We will do a review to look at the sales, look at the countries and the relationships we have. Obviously that follows a review.”
