Sir Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom is working with European and other international partners on a 'viable collective plan' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after the conflict with Iran effectively halted tanker traffic and drove up global oil and gas prices. He stressed that no final decisions have been made and that any action would be agreed with as many allies as possible.

The Prime Minister has resisted pressure from United States President Donald Trump to deploy Royal Navy warships, saying he does not want the United Kingdom to be drawn into a wider war in the Middle East. Options under discussion could include sending mine-hunting drones instead of a warship. Trump warned that the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could be at risk if member states fail to contribute to securing the vital shipping route.

At a Downing Street press conference, Starmer also outlined steps to address rising energy costs at home. The Government has issued a legal direction requiring energy companies to pass on savings from existing policies and announced a £53 million support package for vulnerable households reliant on heating oil. He warned that companies exploiting the crisis for excessive profit could face legal action.