Keir Cuts Through Ceasefire Debate
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon “wrong” and called for it to end immediately, refusing to get bogged down in legal details over whether it breaches the Iran ceasefire. Speaking in his first interview since a tentative two-week truce was announced, Sir Keir told ITV’s Talking Politics podcast: “It’s hard to say there’s a breach when we don’t have all the details. But let me be really clear: they’re wrong. That shouldn’t be happening. That should stop.” He dismissed technical wrangling over the ceasefire, insisting the issue is one of principle. “It’s not about the legal jargon. The question is a matter of principles.”
Deadliest Day in Lebanon Puts Truce at Risk
Thursday saw the bloodiest fighting yet, threatening the fragile ceasefire. Israel insists its ongoing operations fall outside the ceasefire’s terms, but the carnage has raised fears the truce could collapse entirely.
Strait of Hormuz: Open or Not?
Starmer remained sceptical about Iran’s claims that the Strait of Hormuz – a vital global shipping choke point – is open for business. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told ITV News the waterway “is open,” but the Prime Minister warned, “Open means open for safe, toll-free navigation.” He added: “We need to wait and see what actually happens, not just what people say.” Reports suggest Iran might impose tolls on passing ships, which Britain rejects as contrary to the meaning of “open” navigation.
Energy Worries and Political Jabs
The Strait’s potential closure has sent global markets tumbling and petrol prices soaring. Starmer slammed the global energy chaos caused by “actions of Putin or Trump,” saying families shouldn’t suffer for “political games.” Asked to condemn Donald Trump’s dire warning that “a whole civilisation will die” – which helped trigger the ceasefire – Starmer dodged direct criticism, saying, “It’s not language I would use.” The Prime Minister reaffirmed Britain’s stance on Iran, warning the UK will hold fast to its “principles and values” and stay clear of Iranian combat operations, allowing only US defensive use of British bases.
