Yvette Cooper Defends UK Response on Laura Kuenssberg Amid Trump Criticism

Sunday at 5: 00 a. m. ET — Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told laura kuenssberg that the UK does not “agree with Trump on every issue” and that Britain cannot outsource its foreign policy, remarks that come as criticism from US President Donald Trump sharpen public debate over the UK’s role in the Middle East conflict.

Laura Kuenssberg interview: Cooper says UK will not outsource foreign policy

Cooper told Laura Kuenssberg directly that the United Kingdom cannot outsource foreign policy to others and that sometimes the UK and the US will disagree. She used the interview to underline that disagreement with President Donald Trump is legitimate while stressing national decision-making by the UK Prime Minister.

Trump criticism and Cooper’s line to “focus on the substance not social media”

Cooper pushed back on a wave of public criticism from President Trump, urging a focus on “substance not social media” after the US leader said the UK was too late to offer support. The comments followed Mr Trump’s public posts and came as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its ninth day.

British officials have also taken concrete steps: four American bombers landed in the UK and the United States began using British bases for “specific defensive operations” on Saturday, while the Ministry of Defence said it was increasing the preparedness of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales without confirming a deployment decision.

Robert Jenrick and John Swinney weigh in on UK bases and Prestwick

On the same programme, former Conservative shadow minister Robert Jenrick said British air bases should have been made available to the US “from the outset. ” Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he would consider banning US military planes from using Prestwick Airport if it were confirmed they had been involved in strikes.

There was also a brief on-air clash with Sky News host Trevor Phillips when Cooper appeared on that broadcaster’s Sunday programme; during the exchange she emphasised that Sir Keir Starmer’s approach would be calm, steady decision-making rather than rhetoric or hyperbole.

Cooper’s appearance on the programme is scheduled to air from 09: 00 GMT (5: 00 a. m. ET), when viewers can watch live coverage of her interview and related commentary.