UK won't be drawn into 'wider war': PM Starmer

British PM Keir Starmer. File pic

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday said that he will not allow the UK to be drawn into a "wider war" in the Middle East, asserting that he is working with European allies to develop a "viable plan" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing a press conference at 10 Downing Street, the prime minister said that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened to "ensure stability in the markets", but added that it is not a "simple task".

He said the UK is working with "all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable, collective plan" to restore freedom of navigation to the region, and "ease the economic impacts".

Starmer asserted that he would not allow the UK to be drawn into a "wider war".

"I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible. Because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes," he said.

Starmer pledged to help households with cost of living amid the energy price spike caused by the war, and said it was his "first priority."

He announced 53 million pounds in support for those using heating oil to warm their homes.

The prime minister also announced that the government has issued "legal direction to energy companies to pass on savings from government policies already announced."

He said ending the war in the Middle East "is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living" and pledged to work towards de-escalation of the conflict in the region.

Starmer also said that he spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone on Sunday, during which the two discussed a number of issues.

Asked about his relationship with Trump, Starmer said, "It's a good relationship", and they had a "good discussion about the Strait of Hormuz".

"We are strong allies, have been for decades. But it is for me to act in what I consider to be in the best interest of Britain."

Meanwhile, Trump has warned NATO of a "very bad future if allies don't help secure the Strait of Hormuz."

In a statement last night, a spokesperson for the British prime minister said that Starmer and Trump "discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide."

"The prime minister also expressed condolences for the American Service personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict. They agreed to keep in touch."

The Middle East conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran.

In retaliation, Iran attacked Gulf countries hosting American military bases and choked the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the US and Israel.

The conflict has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.

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