Sir Keir Starmer says the UK is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but will not be dragged into Donald Trump’s “wider war” on Iran.
The prime minister confirmed he is talking with other countries, including European allies, about military involvement to keep the straits open amid fresh warnings of soaring prices and fuel rationing in Britain.
But he insisted the UK would not join Israel and the US in launching offensive strikes Iran. He also did not commit to sending warships to the strait, as requested by President Trump on the weekend, a move which could escalate the crisis.
Instead, speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Sir Keir said he wanted a swift end to the war, adding that the UK and its allies were “working hard” on a “viable plan” to end the blockade of the key oil and gas channel.
He said: “While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.
“I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible, because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes, and the worse it is for the cost of living back here at home.”
Mr Trump has called for the UK and other countries to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and claimed Nato faces a “very bad” future should its member states fail to help.
But several countries have so far rebuffed the plea, despite growing concerns over the impact of the closure of the strait on global economies. In the UK, ministers are instead said to be drawing up plans to send minesweeping drones to the strait.
Sir Keir added: “Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability on the market. That is not a simple task.
“There have been discussions going on in relation to a viable plan.
“We want to make sure that that involves as many partners as possible, that’s been our stated directive here, particularly talking to European partners, inevitably talking to Gulf partners and to the US, because we need a credible, viable plan, if we can.”
He added: “This is, to say the least, not easy. It is not straightforward. And therefore we have to make sure we’ve got that credible in place.”
Asked whether he would send a warship to the Gulf, Sir Keir said he had not yet decided, adding: “We are looking through the options. It’s a discussion. We’re not at the point of decisions yet.”
Sir Keir made the statement as he announced that households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes would receive £53m of government support to help with their bills. He also threatened legal action against fuel suppliers over price gouging.
