Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that protecting British citizens in the Middle East is his top priority, as the UK steps up its evacuation efforts amid escalating conflict in the region. Speaking at a press conference, Starmer confirmed the first government-chartered repatriation flight had departed from Oman, and announced additional military assets to support the operation.
The UK is sending four extra Typhoon jets to Qatar, along with Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities to Cyprus. The Prime Minister also stated that HMS Dragon is en route to the Mediterranean, and the US has been granted permission to use British airfields for defensive missions. Over 4,000 people have already returned to the UK on commercial flights, with seven more flights expected on the day of the announcement.
Starmer described the evacuation as a “huge undertaking” and “one of the biggest operations of its kind, many times bigger than the evacuation from Afghanistan.” He emphasised that the effort would not be completed overnight but pledged that the government would not stop until all British nationals are safe.
The Prime Minister also addressed the special relationship with the United States, insisting it is “in operation right now” despite not having spoken to President Donald Trump since a public disagreement over the UK's refusal to allow US strikes on Iran from British bases. Starmer highlighted ongoing 24/7 intelligence-sharing and stood by his decision not to participate in offensive strikes, reiterating the UK's long-standing position favouring a negotiated settlement with Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
