LONDON, March 16 — The United Kingdom (UK) will not be drawn into a wider war in West Asia, said Prime Minister Keir Starmer as tensions in the region continue.
Anadolu Ajansı reported him as saying that his government would continue working towards a swift resolution, stressing that the priority was to bring the fighting to an end.
The UK would work with its allies to develop what Starmer described as a “viable collective plan” aimed at restoring freedom of navigation for ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have already acted alongside other countries to release emergency oil stocks at a level that is completely unprecedented, but ultimately we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the market,” he said during a media conference on Monday.
Starmer also defended his decision not to join an offensive against Iran, saying he had faced criticism from some for the stance but had stood by his principles.
“Sending UK troops into war is the most serious responsibility for any prime minister,” he said, adding that such a decision must only be taken on a legal basis and with a “properly thought-through plan.”
Starmer argued that ending the conflict would also have wider economic benefits.
“Ending war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living,” Starmer said.
He also announced steps his government would take to tackle the cost of living, including capping energy bills through the end of June, extending the fuel duty cap until September, and a £53 million (RM275.9 million) package to support people affected by rising heating oil prices.
