Keir Starmer confronts MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions as the UK formulates strategies to restore access to the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas supplies flow. The Prime Minister navigates escalating tensions triggered by recent international conflicts, including disruptions linked to Donald Trump’s actions.
Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Government officials collaborate with international allies to secure the key shipping route. Deployment of naval vessels remains unlikely while Iran deploys missiles and drones to threaten vessels in the area.
Iran asserts the strait stays open to ships from non-hostile nations, provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this position in discussions with counterparts from other countries. Iran also issued a letter to the International Maritime Organization affirming the route’s availability under these terms.
In a Tuesday night call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Starmer indicated the UK works with partners to devise a viable plan ensuring smooth passage of goods.
Cost of Living Warnings Escalate
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced targeted support measures if the conflict—ignited by US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran on February 28—intensifies economic pressures. She highlighted the conflict’s “significant” impact on living costs.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan cautioned that Europe risks oil shortages next month if the strait closure persists.
McSweeney Phone Loss Sparks Scrutiny
Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed concerns over lost messages from Morgan McSweeney’s stolen phone as a “cock-up rather than conspiracy.” The incident raises fears that exchanges related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US are irretrievable.
Downing Street released thousands of documents amid probes into Mandelson’s prior ties to Jeffrey Epstein before his Washington posting. McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff who departed last month, reported the theft in central London last October. Critics blame him for advocating Mandelson’s nomination.
Streeting explained that McSweeney could not foresee parliamentary demands for the messages. He stated: “I can totally understand the cynicism in these sorts of cases, but do bear in mind that when his phone was stolen, it was reported to the police at the time. He couldn’t at that stage have known that Parliament would ask for the publication of all messages in the way that they have in quite an unprecedented way.”
“Yes, sometimes in politics things can be explained as a result of conspiracy. In other times, more often than not, it is a result of cock-up rather than conspiracy.”
The phone lacked backups, contravening guidelines for senior officials to secure messages on official systems. Streeting anticipates reinforced protocols for ministers, advisers, and officials to prevent future losses.
