United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday reiterated that Britain will not be drawn into the ongoing Middle East conflict, asserting that “this is not our war” and that joining it is “not in our national interest”.Amid rising concerns over global energy supplies, Starmer announced that the UK will host a meeting of around 35 countries later this week to discuss reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.The meeting 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 said during a Downing Street press conference. UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper will host the discussions, he said. He added that the initiative aims to bring countries together to push “as one for maritime security across the Gulf”.Following the talks, military planners will convene to “look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped,” Starmer said.
‘This is not our war’
Reaffirming Britain’s position, Starmer said, “this is not our war” and stressed that the UK would not be drawn into the conflict “because that is not in our national interest”. “Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in all decisions that I make, and that’s why I’ve been absolutely clear that this is not our war, or we’re not going to get dragged into it,” he said, in an apparent reference to US President Donald Trump’s remarks. Starmer said the UK is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and reopen key trade routes. “To that end, we’re exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us,” he said.Highlighting ongoing engagements, he noted that British officials have already held discussions with G7 partners and regional allies, adding that the UK has brought together 35 nations around a shared “statement of intent” on maritime security.
War to impact economy
Warning of broader consequences, Starmer said the conflict would “affect the future of our country” but insisted Britain is prepared to handle the economic fallout.”No matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it,” he said.Addressing concerns over rising living costs, he added, “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 fully committed to Nato
Responding to speculation about US commitment to Nato, Starmer said the alliance remains crucial.”Nato is the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen and it has kept us safe for many decades,” he said, adding that the UK remains “fully committed to Nato” after Trump told the Telegraph that the alliance was a “paper tiger”.The remarks come as the escalating conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil shipments.Echoing similar concerns, earlier Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that “the months ahead may not be easy” as governments brace for prolonged economic pressure due to supply disruptions.”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,” Albanese said, adding that Australia would take steps to protect its economy. Go to Source
