The Royal Navy warship Dragon has departed Portsmouth for Cyprus, more than a week after being ordered to prepare for deployment following an Iranian drone strike on the British air base at Akrotiri. The destroyer left after loading air defence missiles, with officials saying weeks of preparation work had been compressed into days. However, it could still take up to a week to reach the eastern Mediterranean, where French and other European vessels are already stationed.

The delayed deployment has drawn criticism after France and other European allies moved more quickly to reinforce the island’s defences. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus, declaring that the country could count on France, and showcased French military assets including an aircraft carrier in a highly public display of support.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage criticised the state of Britain’s armed forces, arguing that the country had been humiliated by France’s rapid response. He also warned against Britain becoming involved in strikes on Iran led by the United States and Israel, suggesting the country currently lacks the capability to make a meaningful contribution.