Washington gave a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of military action against energy sites if ignored. Tehran said it would target regional infrastructure in response. Shipping and oil prices face rising risk as forces in the Gulf increase readiness.
The PM has granted President Trump permission to use UK bases, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for operations to counter missile threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Framed as self‑defence, the decision prompted a Cobra meeting to assess energy market risks and potential cost‑of‑living impacts.
Israel’s PM said the regime in Tehran cannot be removed by air power alone, arguing any campaign would need a ground element. He linked the crisis to rising risks for oil and shipping and sought continued Western backing, while critics warned of escalation and economic fallout.
UK officers are working with the US on plans to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz, keeping shipping moving and protecting energy supplies. The step follows recent incidents affecting Gulf infrastructure and a rise in oil prices.
Health authorities have declared a national incident after a meningitis B outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub. Two students have died and more than a dozen are in hospital. UKHSA is tracing contacts and rolling out urgent MenB vaccinations for students to curb further spread.
Donald Trump rebuked Starmer, calling it “terrible” that Britain declined to send Royal Navy ships to the Gulf to help secure shipping. He warned this could strain transatlantic defence ties. The PM said the UK will support allies while avoiding being drawn into wider military action.
Keir Starmer has declined a request from Donald Trump to deploy Royal Navy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, favouring diplomacy and sanctions while coordinating with allies. Tehran claims it will decide access to the shipping lane; London urges de-escalation and protection of commercial traffic.
The chancellor pledged targeted support to shield poorer households from rising energy bills as global tensions lift wholesale prices. The Treasury is modelling options, with temporary help likely if the price cap jumps in June, prioritising low‑income homes.
Britain says Iranian drones used in an incident at a base in Erbil were guided by an external power. No UK casualties were reported. The government vows firm backing for allies and deterrence, as Iran’s new Ayatollah warns up to 15 neighbouring countries.
Files indicate the PM proceeded with appointing Lord Mandelson despite warnings from a senior aide and an outgoing ambassador about reputational risk, citing the peer’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. A memo said Starmer’s personal links to Mandelson left him “more exposed.”