Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, undertaking a significant diplomatic mission to demonstrate solidarity with Britain's Gulf allies. This visit comes as Iran persists in launching missiles and drones at neighbouring countries, escalating regional tensions.
First Ministerial Visit Since War Outbreak
The Foreign Secretary's journey to Riyadh represents the first visit to the region by a UK minister since the outbreak of war at the end of February. Her arrival coincided with Saudi Arabia reporting the interception of two drones—one targeting the capital's diplomatic quarter and another aimed at an oil field in the eastern part of the country.
Discussions on Cooperation and Security
Ms Cooper's agenda is expected to focus on enhancing British cooperation with Gulf nations to address the ongoing crisis and mitigate the impact of surging oil prices. In a statement, she emphasised: "The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and our priority is the safety and security of British people, alongside supporting our partners across the region who face continuing strikes."
She added: "This is why it is so important for me to be here in Saudi Arabia—an essential partner for the UK in the Gulf who have been targeted by reckless attacks by the Iranian regime, and who have supported British nationals to come home and who are working to maintain energy security and supply."
Assisting British Nationals
The Foreign Secretary is also anticipated to express gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its assistance in helping British nationals evacuate from the Gulf. Commercial flights have continued operating from Saudi Arabia despite intermittent closures of Riyadh's airport. However, challenges persist for some UK citizens.
Britons stranded in Kuwait and Bahrain, where airspace remains closed, have resorted to overland travel to exit the region via Saudi Arabia. A significant number are believed to still be in Qatar, where repatriation flights are available but seats have become scarce. The impending Eid celebration is further reducing flight availability from Riyadh.
Some UK nationals now report shortages of medication or funds as their stay in the region extends beyond expectations. On Thursday, Ms Cooper visited staff at the British embassy in Riyadh to thank them for their efforts in assisting British nationals. This team includes members of the Foreign Office's rapid deployment unit, dispatched to the region immediately after the war began to support consular operations.
Consular Efforts and Economic Impact
Approximately 63,000 British nationals have already returned from the region, which Ms Cooper described as a "huge tribute" to the consular team's dedication. Meanwhile, economic concerns loom large as the cost of living remains a pressing issue.
The oil price surged above 100 dollars per barrel following Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Although prices have since retreated, they remain in the high 90s, posing a threat of higher inflation levels. This economic volatility underscores the broader implications of the regional conflict on global markets and everyday consumers.
