Keir Starmer has pledged to protect British citizens and the UK’s allies in the Middle East from the ongoing missile and drone attacks by Iran.
The Prime Minister cautioned that the conflict may persist for an extended period and took swift action by deploying four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar to enhance the defense of the Gulf states. Two Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone missiles are set to arrive in Cyprus, and the HMS Dragon warship is being dispatched to the Mediterranean.
Starmer emphasized the importance of intercepting Iranian missiles before they pose a threat to British and allied individuals, aiming to maintain a protective shield over them amidst the chaotic situation. He reassured the public during a press conference from No9 Downing Street, urging unity and emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and national interests.
Following an emergency Cobra meeting, Starmer announced the successful departure of the first government evacuation flight from Muscat, Oman, after a brief delay due to technical issues. The evacuation efforts are set to escalate, with British Airways scheduling additional charter flights from Oman to London Heathrow, acknowledging the immense scale of the operation compared to past evacuations.
With over 140,000 Britons registered in the Middle East, the Foreign Office established a crisis center to assist during the conflict. Despite earlier decisions, the PM eventually granted permission for the US to utilize British military bases for defensive actions against Iranian threats.
While facing criticism from Donald Trump, Starmer affirmed the strength of the UK-US special relationship, highlighting ongoing collaboration in the region for mutual protection and intelligence sharing. He underscored the importance of making decisions in the best interests of each country while maintaining the vital alliance during the crisis.
