Number10

******EXCLUSIVE****** Andy Burnham faces a seismic day one decision on whether to continue letting Donald Trump use British bases to strike Iran as the US ramps up its war. It represents the first major judgment call he will have to make as PM. Bloomberg can reveal high-level UK government meetings took place on Friday over the resumption of US operations in Iran, which have entered their seventh consecutive night, and the role of British bases. Keir Starmer’s position has been that UK bases at Fairford and Diego Garcia are approved for use by US forces in what Britain considers to be defensive operations aimed at degrading Iran’s offensive military capabilities and countering its threat to the Strait of Hormuz. There has been no statement or indication from government officials that this position has changed in the face of the renewed US strikes and following Friday’s meetings in Whitehall. But it’s all complicated by the fact Starmer is being replaced as PM by Burnham on Monday. US operations are expected to remain ongoing throughout the weekend and into next week. Starmer is still PM until Monday morning so technically the decision remains his until then. Burnham has been kept informed of the situation and his team were in contact with government officials about it on Friday. But then Burnham faces his own decision on whether to continue approval in the face of what by then may be an escalating war. British officials are concerned by Trump’s threats to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure. It’s a call that could have huge early implications for Burnham’s relations with Trump, as well as Labour MPs who oppose the war, and may distract from his first days in office. No10 and Burnham declined to comment on security matters.

"We don't like Factional politics here" is just code for consessions to the right wing.

John McTernant is a lying danger who the left should keep at arms length: a thread.