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.