Sir Keir Starmer has demanded that Donald Trump end his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning it will cause economic pain for Britons as petrol costs soar. The prime minister confirmed on Monday that the UK is “not supporting the blockade” and will not be “dragged in” to the conflict with Iran.
Instead, Sir Keir announced he is bringing together 40 nations to force the reopening of the strait. In a statement to parliament, he condemned Iran's initial blockade but refused to support Trump's response of blockading it himself. “The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging. Getting global shipping moving is vital to ease cost of living pressures,” he said.
The UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict ends. The prime minister is visiting Greater Manchester to discuss cost of living pressures, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves travels to Washington for IMF meetings, warning that “the war in Iran will come at a cost to British families and business”.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey repeatedly refused to say whether the UK supports the blockade, telling Sky News: “We won’t be taking any part in it, and we want to see free navigation of the Strait of Hormuz.” She described the impact on personal finances as a “huge concern”.
The US president announced the blockade after US-Iranian peace talks in Pakistan ended without a deal, threatening to stop tankers entering or leaving the key shipping lane, which is expected to further drive up oil prices. Sir Keir said all British diplomatic and military efforts will go towards “getting the strait fully open”.
