Sir Keir Starmer has refused to commit warships to Iran – despite Donald Trump pleading for support in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister has refused to send British naval power to the Middle East after President Trump urged allies to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz.
And with tensions – and oil prices – still rising, the Prime Minister will tomorrow pledge support for families struggling with soaring energy bills during a Downing Street press conference.
The PM will reveal Labour’s “first priority” will be helping people through the crisis.
Sir Keir will say: “It’s moments like this that tell you what a Government is about.
“My answer is clear. Whatever challenges lie ahead, this Government will always support working people.
“That is my first instinct – my first priority – to help you with the cost of living through this crisis.”
His remarks come as tensions grow in the key strait – through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply travels.
The disruption has pushed global energy prices higher and raised fears among the Government of further economic pressure on households.
The Prime Minister is expected to pledge support for families struggling with soaring energy prices during a Downing Street press conference on Monday | GETTY
Britain is currently refusing to send warships to help reopen the strait despite pressure from the United States, the Telegraph reports.
Mr Trump urged several countries affected by the strait’s closure, including the UK and France, to send warships to the region in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.
France outright refused the request on Sunday, and its armed forces minister said the country would maintain its “defensive and protective” position.
Britain, meanwhile, has considered sending mine-hunting drones, after the United States shared video of Iranian mine hunting ships being destroyed in the waterway.
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