United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated on Wednesday that Britain will not be drawn into the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying “this is not our war” and getting involved is “not in our national interest”.Amid growing concerns over global energy supplies, Starmer announced Britain would host a meeting of about 35 countries later this week to discuss reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.“The meeting will assess all feasible diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of stranded ships and sailors, and resume the movement of vital goods,” he said during a Downing Street press conference. Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host the discussion, he said. He said the initiative aims to bring countries together to “unite for maritime security across the Gulf”.After the talks, Starmer said, military planners “will gather to look at how we can enhance our capabilities and make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and secure once the fighting stops.”
‘This is not our war’
Reaffirming Britain’s position, Starmer said, “This is not our war” and stressed that Britain would not be drawn into this conflict “because it is not in our national interest”.“No matter what pressure is on me and others, no matter what noise, I will make all my decisions in the British national interest and that’s why I am very clear that this is not our war, or that we are not going to get involved in,” he said, in an apparent reference to US President Donald Trump’s comments.Starmer said Britain was actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and reopen key trade routes. “To this end, we are exploring every diplomatic avenue available to us,” he said.Highlighting ongoing engagements, he said British officials have already held discussions with G7 partners and regional allies, adding that the UK has brought together 35 countries around a shared “statement of intent” on maritime security.
War will affect the economy
Warning of wider consequences, Starmer said the conflict would “impact the future of our country” but insisted Britain was prepared to deal with the economic fallout.“No matter how severe this storm is, we are well prepared to face it,” he said.Addressing concerns over rising living costs, he said, “The most effective way to support the cost of living in Britain is to reduce tensions in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy.”
Britain is fully committed to NATO
Responding to speculation about the US commitment to NATO, Starmer said the alliance remains important.“NATO is the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen and has kept us secure for decades,” he said, adding that Britain remains “fully committed” to NATO after Trump told the Telegraph the alliance was a “paper tiger”.The comments come as the escalating conflict is disrupting global energy markets, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipments.Expressing similar concerns, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned that “the coming months may not be easy” as governments face prolonged economic pressure due to supply disruptions.“The coming months will not be easy. I want to be clear about this. No government can promise to eliminate the pressure caused by this war,” Albanese said. He said Australia would take steps to protect its economy.
