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Housing Secretary Steve Reed attempted to reassure British people that Iran cannot attack the UK, but floundered when asked to provide details in a BBC interview. He said there was “no specific assessment” that Iranian missiles could travel the long distances required to target British cities.

Mr Reed was responding to an Iranian attack on a UK military base on the island of Diego Garcia, around 3,800km from Iran. Israel’s armed forces, the IDF, have warned that Iran could attack European nations such as the UK, which is around 4,400km away. Asked by BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg if Iran could target Britain, Mr Reed said: “Our assessment is that the Iranians certainly targeted Diego Garcia”

He added: “As we understand, it one missile fell short, failed, the other was intercepted and prevented

“But I don’t think it’s a surprise this has happened.”

Referring to Iran’s attacks on Arab states in the Middle East, he said: “Iran has been recklessly firing missiles around the region … it’s why the UK is taking part in a collective defence alongside our allies to protect British interests, British allies across the region.”

But asked directly if Iran had the capability to hit the UK, he said: “The point here is they didn’t hit Diego Garcia

“We have the capabilities on the ground to intercept and prevent what they are doing.”

Mr Reed told the BBC’s Sunday with Ms Kuenssberg show that he could not confirm how far the missiles travelled because this would help Iran.

Ms Kuenssberg pressed the Labour minister on whether Iran could attack the UK. He replied: “There is no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could if they wanted to.

“We have the finest military in the world. We are perfectly capable of protecting this country and keeping this country safe, whether it is here at home or our assets and nationals across the region.”

The BBC presenter said viewers wanted to know whether Iran could potentially attack the UK.

“I’m not aware of any assessment at all that they are even trying to target Europe, let alone that they could if they tried.

“But even if they did, we have the necessary military capability to defend this country and defend the British national interest.”

Ms Kuenssberg asked why Israel was saying Europe was in danger if it was not correct. Mr Reed said she would need to ask Israel that question.

He added: “There is no assessment to substantiate what is being said.”