The UK government’s statement on the US and Israeli attack on Iran faces in both directions, as usual.

On the one hand, it says the UK military is not participating – which is unsurprising, given that it is difficult to make a case for the attack under international law.On the other, it says that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons (the first sentence) and there is no criticism of Trump or Netanyahu for launching the strikes.There is however a warning to Tehran not to attack UK military assets and personnel in the Middle East.

“We stand ready to protect our interests,” says the statement – which carries the implication that the UK may yet find itself in armed conflict with Iran.The PM is due to chair a Cobr meeting of relevant ministers, military leaders and intelligence specialists later this morning.

For the PM, deciding how to respond to Thursday’s by-election humiliation in Gorton and Denton can go on the back burner.