UK Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Middle East War, Starmer Says

The UK government announced financial assistance for households affected by soaring heating oil costs after the Iran conflict disrupted global energy markets, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain seeks a quick end to the war.

Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, Starmer said the UK would take necessary measures to defend itself and its allies but would avoid becoming involved in a broader regional war.

“We will not be drawn into the wider war,” Starmer said, stressing that the priority should be ending the conflict as quickly as possible.

He warned that prolonged fighting could worsen global instability and increase living costs for households in the UK.

The government announced a £53 million support package aimed at lower-income households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes. The measure comes after energy prices surged following the outbreak of the Iran conflict.

Starmer also warned that suppliers found engaging in price gouging could face legal action and future market regulation.

He added that further assistance on energy bills could be considered if prices remain high when the current energy price cap expires this summer.

The UK is currently working with the United States, Gulf countries and European partners on a plan to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

However, Starmer said the issue remains complex.

“Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not a simple task,” he noted, adding that discussions are ongoing but no final decision has been made.

US President Donald Trump has urged allies to deploy military vessels to help reopen the strategic waterway after Iran declared it closed to US and allied shipping.

Starmer also emphasized the importance of reducing Britain’s dependence on volatile international energy markets by expanding renewable energy production.

Until we get ourselves off the rollercoaster of international oil and gas markets and onto clean, homegrown British energy, tyrants like Putin and the Ayatollahs will be free to attack our energy security.

The prime minister said the best way to ease the cost-of-living pressure on households is to de-escalate the conflict and stabilize global energy markets.