Sir Keir Starmer has issued a warning about the potential impact of the Iran war on the United Kingdom, despite attempts to reassure the public. The Prime Minister advised Britons not to panic over the economic repercussions of the conflict, though he conceded that shopping habits and holiday plans might need to adapt.
Government Response and Military Mission
Starmer will chair a ministerial Iran crisis committee on Tuesday. He expressed confidence in supply chains “at the moment” and stressed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas shipping route closed by Iran. The Prime Minister also revealed that France and Britain plan to lead a “military mission” to reassure ships in the Strait of Hormuz, an initiative from him and French President Emmanuel Macron, which is expected to commence only after hostilities conclude.
Economic Measures
Oil prices reached a near three-week high following the collapse of anticipated peace talks between the US and Iran, after President Donald Trump stated that US envoys would not be travelling to Islamabad due to a lack of progress. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Government has capped household energy costs until July and frozen fuel duty until September, aiming to mitigate the immediate financial impact on the public.
Starmer’s comments come as the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, with potential knock-on effects for global markets and everyday life in the UK. The Prime Minister urged calm while acknowledging that adjustments may be necessary in the coming months.
