UK PM Keir Starmer warns the Iran conflict will impact the UK's future but says Britain is prepared and will not be drawn in. He stressed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease living costs.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (local time) has warned that the ongoing Iran conflict will "affect the future of our country," while insisting that Britain is prepared to endure the economic fallout, saying, "no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it." The British Prime Minister also reiterated that "this is not our war" and that the UK will not be drawn into it because "that is not in our national interest".
Addressing concerns over rising living costs, Starmer said, "The most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East, and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is such a vital route for energy."
UK leading diplomatic efforts
He stressed ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, "To that end, we're exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us." Starmer announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene international partners, saying, "And today I can announce that later this week, the foreign secretary will host a meeting that brings those nations together for the first time, where we will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of vital commodities."
He added that the UK has already coordinated widely, noting, "The foreign secretary and the chancellor have met their counterparts in the G7. The defence secretary has been in the Middle East speaking to our partners, and the UK has now brought together 35 nations around our statement of intent to push as one for maritime security across the Gulf."
Domestic measures to ease costs
Highlighting domestic measures, Starmer said, "Just look at what's happening today. Today, your energy bills will be cut because of the action that we took in the budget. And whatever happens in Iran, that price is now fixed until July."
The remarks come as tensions in the region continue to raise concerns over global energy supplies, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Australia braces for impact
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his address to the nation, said that the months ahead might not be easy. Albanese said that on Monday, the National Cabinet adopted the National Fuel Security Plan, which would help Australians in case supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term.
"The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it. These are uncertain times, but I'm absolutely certain of this. We will deal with these global challenges the Australian way, working together and looking after each other, as we always have," he said.
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