Starmer knocks back Trump’s call for British ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Keir Starmer insisted the UK will not be drawn into a ‘wider war’ in the Middle East on Monday as he knocked back Donald Trump’s call for warships in the Strait of Hormuz. Giving a press conference in Downing Street, the PM insisted he wanted to see ‘an end to this war as quickly as possible’. He cautioned the situation would only get more dangerous and ‘worse for the cost of living back at home’ the longer it lasts, urging a ‘negotiated agreement’ with Iran. 

Sir Keir said he was willing to be part of a ‘viable collective plan’ for the Strait, but said no decisions had been taken and suggested the UK is only considerng to deploy anti-mine drones. ‘This is not easy. It’s not straight forward,’ he pointed out.

The comments came after Mr Trump launched another swipe at Sir Keir over his reluctance to join attacks on Iran.   The premier had a tense call with the president last night, in which he is believed to have signalled Britain will not deploy warships to the Strait. France, Canada, Germany and Australia have also dismissed the prospect. Around a fifth of global oil supplies pass through the channel, but it has been effectively closed by Iran – sending prices soaring and raising fears of a worldwide recession. Mr Trump upped the ante overnight by linking the response to his demand for ships in the Strait to the future of Nato and support for Ukraine.