Sir Keir Starmer has announced Britain will send more fighter jets to defend allies in the Middle East as the first chartered evacuation flight from Oman is due to land in the UK in the coming hours.
The repatriation flight was originally scheduled to depart yesterday but it was delayed overnight due to problems with “getting passengers on board”.
The prime minister gave an update on the ongoing conflict in the region, as defence secretary John Healey met his counterpart in Cyprus to ease tensions over Britain's response to drone attacks on the island.
Sir Keir said at the conference: "I can announce today that we're sending four additional Typhoon jets to join our squadron in Qatar to strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region.
"Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities are arriving in Cyprus tomorrow."
The PM, however, resisted pressure to join the US directly in the war, despite growing criticism from Donald Trump, who branded him “no Churchill”.
Sir Keir also said he has not spoken to the US president since Saturday evening, but insisted that the “special relationship” between the US and UK is “operating right now”, despite accusations the PM’s stance on the conflict has ruined it.
Key Points
- Starmer to send more UK fighter jets to Qatar but rejects pressure to join Iran-US war fight
- First charter flight from Oman 'took off a few minutes ago'- more to come this week
- Starmer defends special relationship with US amid Trump's criticism
- PM hasn't spoken to Trump since Saturday evening
- Starmer 'satisfied we can keep people safe'
Britons in Dubai fear leaving war-hit Middle East because they might get taxed at home, say experts
22:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBritish influencers based in Dubai are reluctant to return home due to fears of being taxed, experts have suggested.
Around 130,000 of the 300,000 Britons living in the Gulf have registered their presence on the government’s safety system, according to foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, after Iranian retaliatory attacks following US-Israeli strikes.
However, content creators in Dubai have drawn widespread criticism after continuing to showcase their luxury lifestyles despite drones and missiles flying overhead.
Read more here:
Britons in Dubai fear leaving because they might get taxed at home, say experts
In pictures: Passengers arrive from Dubai to Dublin after being stranded
21:32 , Shaheena Uddin
Government joins boycott of Winter Paralympics ceremonies in protest of Russia return
21:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe UK Government has announced that it will join the boycott of the Winter Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies following the controversial inclusion of Russia and Belarus at the Games.
Friday’s opening ceremony at Milan-Cortina will mark the return of Russian and Belarusian flags on the sporting stage for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The International Olympic Committee approved the decision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flag for the first time in four years.
Ukraine were the first country to announce that they would be boycotting the ceremony because of political reasons, and they have been joined by several European countries, including Poland, Germany and Finland.
Government joins boycott of Winter Paralympics ceremonies in protest of Russia return
Passengers of second plane from Dubai land in Ireland
21:25 , Shaheena UddinCelebrations and relief have commenced for a second night in a row at Dublin airport after the first few planes have arrived from Dubai since the war broke out in the Middle East.
Dubai has been struck by missiles amidst the war between US-Israel and Iran. Explosions erupted at Dubai airport and Fairmont Hotel, causing widespread flight cancellations.
There are an estimated 24,400 Irish citizens in the Gulf region. There will be additional direct flights from the Middle East landing in Dublin on Friday, including an Irish Government charter flight from Oman which is expected to transport around 280 passengers.
Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee expressed hope that hundreds, if not more than 1,000, will arrive in Dublin before the end of the week.
Dympna Mackin, from Mayobridge, Co Down, who had been in Dubai with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday, walked through arrivals to hugs from family waiting to see her.
“Unbelievable. I’d missed the children so much. I’m shaking, it’s good to be home,” she said.
“We arrived in Dubai last Thursday, we were due home on Monday, this was the third flight that we’d tried to get home.
Colette Cummins, from Malahide, who had been visiting family in Dubai, was hugged by work colleagues as she came through arrivals.
“I’m so happy to be home. We were supposed to come on Tuesday but the flight was cancelled,” she said.
“It’s great to be home, my sister is not so lucky, she is still there.
“Scary at the beginning. It had eased off but back again today because we got news on the flight of alerts that missiles were coming in again. The situation is escalating again.”
Megan O’Riordan, from Co Meath, who has worked in software sales in Dubai for three years, was greeted by her father Michael.
“Daily life is normal, everyone is still working, we’re just working remotely and school is happening at home. The only difference is the missiles and interceptions – when you see those it is a little bit scary,” she said.
“Other than that, nothing else has changed, life goes on as normal over there. The government have been really good, the embassy has been really good.”
Labour MP suspended after husband arrested on suspicion of being a China spy
21:18 , Shaheena UddinLabour MP Joani Reid has been suspended from the party as an internal investigation takes place after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
Ms Reid has said she “voluntarily” suspended herself from the Labour whip “until internal investigations are concluded”.
Her husband David Taylor is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service and was one of three men arrested.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Joani Reid has agreed to fully co-operate with the Labour Party’s investigation into these matters.”
Taylor has also been suspended from the party pending an investigation.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “These are incredibly serious allegations. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.”
Who is the British billionaire behind another big donation to Reform?
20:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainReform UK has secured its second multimillion pound donation from a top crypto investor, putting Nigel Farage’s party’s fundraising far ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives last year.
Months after Thailand-based businessman Christopher Harborne gave Reform £9m – the biggest single donation to a political party from a living person in UK history – he gave an additional £3m donation in November last year, the Electoral Commission said on Thursday.
This means that Mr Harborne was responsible for more than half of the £5.5m ($7.4 million) raised by Reform in the fourth quarter of last year.
Read more here:
Who is the British billionaire behind another big donation to Reform?
‘A wrong and broken system’: Readers fear soaring bills as Iran war threatens to deepen cost of living crisis
20:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOur community voiced frustration and anxiety over soaring oil and gas prices, warning that a system tied to volatile global markets leaves households exposed, heating oil users unprotected, and consumers once again paying the price for political decisions and energy policy failures at home and abroad.
Read more here:
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‘A wrong and broken system’: Readers fear bills spike amid Iran war
First repatriation flight set to land in UK in the coming hours
19:52 , Shaheena UddinThe government's first charter plane to evacuate British nationals from the Middle East is due to land in the next couple of hours.
The flight was originally scheduled to leave Muscat, the capital of Oman, at 7pm on Wednesday.
But it was delayed overnight due to problems with “getting passengers on board”. The flight actually took off at around 2pm.
British Airways has announced it will operate a fourth daily flight from Muscat to London Heathrow - a route it does not usually serve - departing at 10.30pm GMT on Saturday.
Sir Keir said: "We will lay on additional charter flights in the coming days.
"British Airways is putting on daily flights from Oman, and we will keep working with all of our partners to increase the speed and capacity of this airlift.
"I want to be very clear, this is a huge undertaking.
"It's one of the biggest operations of its kind, many times bigger than the evacuation from Afghanistan.
"It's not going to happen overnight, but we will not stop until our people are safe."
More than 140,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office.
Qatar Airways sets up Oman hub for passengers stranded by Iran-US conflict
19:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMuscat international airport is tiny by Middle Eastern standards – with barely one-eighth of the passenger numbers handled in a typical year by Dubai.
But with airports in the UAE, Qatar and beyond either operating with only a small fraction of normal operations, or closed completely due to airspace restrictions, the airport in the Omani capital is experiencing a surge in flights and passengers.
Qatar Airways, which has flown no passengers since the weekend, is launching a “mini hub” in Muscat. From Friday, a small number of jets together with pilots and cabin crew will be shuttling from there to London Heathrow as well as Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam.
Travel correspondent Simon Calder has more:
Muscat is the new Dubai as airlines switch Middle East flights
Starmer to send British fighter jets to Middle East as fighting spreads across region
19:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer has pledged to send more British fighter jets to the Middle East in a bid to bolster the UK’s military presence in the region as the conflict continues to escalate.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Thursday, the prime minister rejected criticism from opponents and allies that Britain had not acted fast enough when fighting began, and said he “stands by” his decision not to join the initial strikes on Tehran over the weekend.
Announcing the extra military assets being sent to the region, Sir Keir said: “I can announce today that we’re sending four additional Typhoon jets to join our squadron in Qatar to strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region.”
Read more here:
Starmer to send British fighter jets to Middle East as fighting spreads across region
Failed asylum seekers will be paid up to £40k to leave the UK, Shabana Mahmood announces
18:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainFailed asylum seeker families with children will be offered up to £40,000 to leave the country quickly or face being deported, Shabana Mahmood has announced.
As part of the home secretary’s immigration overhaul, a pilot scheme has been launched for 150 families who are living in migrant hotels, with offers already sent out.
The families will be offered £10,000 per member, capped at four per family, to leave the UK voluntarily. They will have seven days to reply, and if they do not take up the offer, the Home Office will attempt to forcibly remove them from the country.
Our home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Failed asylum seekers will be paid up to £40k to leave the UK, Mahmood announces
Breaking: Defence secretary won't rule out UK taking part in Iran strikes
18:23 , Tom BarnesDefence secretary John Healey has declined to rule out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran.
He was asked during a trip to Cyprus whether he would rule out getting involved in strikes on Iran in an offensive capacity.
During an interview with Sky News, he said: “As circumstances in any conflict change, you’ve got to be willing to adapt the action you take.
“I’m doing that by bringing in anti-drone helicopters in overnight. I’m doing that in the next couple of weeks to bring in the Type 45 air defence destroyer.
“I’m doing that by bringing in the top planners to help … co-ordinate the sort of contribution that other nations are now starting to make … the German frigate in the area, and Greek ships also now joining.”
Pressed again on whether he would rule out British aircraft taking part in offensive operations over Iran, he said: “Everything that we have done is defensive, is legal and is co-ordinated with other allies.
“That’s one of the great strengths that Britain, Nato allies and long-standing partners like Qatar, like Jordan, like Cyprus, have in working with the Brits.”
Irish foreign minister questioned on whether US and Israel broke international law
18:15 , Shaheena UddinThe Irish minister for foreign affairs has denied to confirm if she believes Israeli and American air strikes on Iran broke international law.
Helen McEntee was questioned several times on Thursday if actions by the two countries were outside international law. She referred repeatedly to the lack of a UN mandate, saying in order for conflicts to be “justified” there “needs to be a UN mandate from the UN Security Council”.
On Saturday, the US and Israel targeted Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear programme in a series of air strikes.
Iran retaliated with thousands of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israel, UK and American military bases and embassies in the region, and energy facilities across the Persian Gulf.
The war has killed over 1,230 people in Iran, more than 100 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? How Iranian attacks on ships could spark chaos in oil and gas markets
18:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIranian forces have set fire to a US oil tanker after striking it in the northern Gulf, according to state media.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned they would set fire to any vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after claiming “complete control” of the major shipping route on Wednesday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a waterway in the Persian Gulf through which around a fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Read more here:
Why is Strait of Hormuz so important? How Iran attacks can spark oil and gas chaos
Northern Ireland's first minister accuses DUP of acting as 'cheerleaders' for Iran war
17:45 , Shaheena UddinNorthern Ireland’s first minister has accused the DUP of “championing and being cheerleaders” for the war in Iran.
Michelle O’Neill said the surge in oil prices is the “real-life implication” of the war in the Middle East, but insisted Sinn Fein and the DUP can work “together whilst having a very different approach to what’s happening internationally”.
Hundreds of Northern Ireland citizens have been trapped in the region since last Saturday amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel, which caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, sparking major disruption to flights.
The First Minister was also criticised by opposition parties for not attending Cabinet Office briefings on the situation in Iran, alongside her deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Both faced criticism for not issuing a joint statement.
Labour urges probe into Reform UK over cryptocurrency donations
17:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLabour wants the election watchdog to investigate donations to Reform UK after claiming the party has “serious questions to answer” over cryptocurrency.
Chair Anna Turley wrote to the Electoral Commission after the body’s quarterly report revealed that Nigel Farage’s party had secured a second multi-million pound donation from a Thai- based billionaire, boosting the party’s war chest ahead of the crucial May elections.
The £3 million donation from Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency investor who bankrolled Brexit, came on top of the record £9m that he gave to Mr Farage’s party last year. It received a total of £5.5m in donations in the last quarter of 2025 - more than any other party, according to figures released by the Electoral Commission.
Labour urges probe into Reform UK over cryptocurrency donations
Offering failed asylum claims families £40k is not a 'pull factor', Home Office says
17:20 , Shaheena UddinThe Home Office has insisted that a government scheme offering the families of failed asylum seekers up to £40,000 to leave the UK will not be a “pull factor”.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said a small number of failed asylum seekers will be offered an “increased incentive payment” of £10,000 per person and up to £40,000 per family to leave Britain.
The scheme is expected to affect around 150 families living in taxpayer-funded accommodation. Anyone who refuses the offer will be forcibly removed, Ms Mahmood confirmed.
The pilot scheme, announced on Thursday, has received backlash from the Conservatives and Reform, who say it will incentivise illegal immigration.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: “This is an insult to the British taxpayer. Shabana Mahmood has to resort to paying illegal immigrants to leave because she has utterly failed to forcibly remove them.”
Reform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf pointed out that £40,000 is “more than the median salary in Britain”. He said offering it “as a prize for breaking in illegally” is “disgrace.”
This is despite Reform having previously said illegal migrants would be offered a “financial incentive to self-deport” during a six-month window if it was in government.
How Iran war put Rachel Reeves Spring Statement out of date almost immediately
17:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe UK chancellor of the exchequer would not have wanted to deliver her spring statement against the background of a fresh threat to the world economy.
For while Rachel Reeves announced that she has the “right economic plan for the country” in a “yet more uncertain world”, the conflict in the Middle East will undoubtedly complicate the UK’s economic prospects. And the latest economic forecast by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), to which she was responding, may already be out of date.
Read more here:
How Iran war put Rachel Reeves Spring Statement out of date almost immediately
Mahmood’s immigration plan is Labour’s last chance to stem tide of extremism from left and right
16:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical editor David Maddox looks at how Shabana Mahmood’s intervention on asylum and immigration plays into the debate about the future direction of the Labour Party and why she has emerged as a candidate to replace Keir Starmer:
Shabana Mahmood’s intention of pushing ahead with tough new laws on asylum and immigration is already being seen by many in Labour and the trade union movement as deliberately provocative and further damaging the Labour brand.
The fury at the home secretary is fuelled by the defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election last week to the Greens – confirmation for many on the left that the project under Sir Keir Starmer has systematically undermined “true” Labour values and destroyed its voter base.
Mahmood’s immigration plan is a last chance for Labour to stem the tide of extremism
Watch the prime minister's full speech from his conference about the Iran war today
16:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTrump’s ‘Winston Churchill’ jibe to Starmer was ironic. This is how he would have dealt with Iran war
16:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhen Donald Trump criticised Keir Starmer for failing to sufficiently support American and Israeli operations against Iran, he did so with a historical flourish. “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” he complained.
The implication was clear: Churchill would have stood shoulder to shoulder with Washington in a confrontation with Tehran. The remark invites an obvious question: what would Churchill have made of war with Iran?
The answer is not as straightforward as Trump’s comparison suggests. Churchill’s record shows a mixture of hawkish rhetoric, strategic caution and a constant concern with maintaining Anglo-American unity. Far from embodying a simple instinct for confrontation, he tended to see war and diplomacy as inextricably linked.
Read more here:
How Winston Churchill would have dealt with Iran War after Trump’s Starmer comments
Iranian crisis could last weeks, possibly months, UK minister warns
15:55 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBritish foreign office minister Hamish Falconer has said there were suggestions the Iranian crisis could run into weeks or possibly months.
"The situation is evolving, but there are indications that this is a crisis, not of days, but of weeks and possibly months," Mr Falconer told parliament.
Anas Sarwar confirms probe after Scottish Labour MP’s husband accused of spying for China
15:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has confirmed the party is “looking into” the circumstances after an MP’s husband was arrested over allegations he was spying for China.
David Taylor, the husband of East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Joani Reid, and two other men were arrested by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in London and Wales on Wednesday.
After he was arrested, the Scottish Labour MP released a statement saying she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law”. Ms Reid added: “I am not part of my husband’s business activities.”
Read more here:
Sarwar confirms probe after Scottish Labour MP’s husband accused of spying for China
‘We paid £1,500 for a disco bus to escape Dubai for Heathrow flight out of Middle East’
15:29 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA British couple paid £1,500 to be driven hundreds of miles across the Middle East in a “disco bus” to board a flight to London from Oman to escape escalating war in the region.
Though the UK government’s first repatriation flight from Muscat failed to take off on Wednesday due to a technical issue, a British Airways (BA) flight from the Omani capital landed at Heathrow’s terminal five shortly before 9am on Thursday morning.
Among the passengers were consultants Sarah, 54, and Ed Short, 58, from Kent, who were met by emotional family members as they arrived back in the UK.
The couple had been on holiday in Dubai and were due to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, but their plane home was grounded when airspace closed due to the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, which has seen Gulf nations hit with missile strikes.
Read more here:
We paid £1.5k for a disco bus to escape Dubai for Heathrow flight out of Middle East
Iran’s succession: Who will rise out of the ashes of Trump’s war?
15:16 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIt is not an exaggeration to say the last few days in the Middle East have marked a paradigm shift for the region and, frankly, the world, Bel Trew writes.
The US and Israel killing the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei – once unthinkable – became just another of a slew of decapitations in their unprecedented joint operation on Iran, which has killed hundreds in the country, including children.
The offensive has hollowed out the brutal military leadership and its affiliates across the region.
Iran’s succession: Who will rise out of the ashes of Trump’s war?
Ed Miliband 'confident' in country's energy supply despite conflict in Middle East
15:01 , Maryam Zakir-HussainEd Miliband has said he is confident the country's energy supply is robust despite the conflict in the Middle East disrupting oil and gas shipping lanes.
The energy secretary defended the government's policy not to allow new North Sea exploration licences, and said they would not make any difference to energy bill.
Mr Miliband said more green energy would solidify the country's energy supplies, meaning the UK is less reliant on other countries.
He also said it would futureproof the UK against economic shocks, as he attributed half of the recessions of the last 50 years to fossil fuel price crises.
It comes as the conflict in Iran has seen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, "significantly" reduce due to attacks.
About a fifth of all global oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) passes through the strait.
More charter flights from Oman to come this week, PM says
14:48 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe government's delayed first charter plane to evacuate British nationals from the Middle East has finally taken off, while British Airways has announced it will operate a further rescue flight.
Sir Keir Starmer said at 2.11pm on Thursday that the flight - scheduled to leave Muscat, the capital of Oman, at 7pm on Wednesday - departed "a few minutes ago".
British Airways said it will run a fourth daily flight from Muscat to London Heathrow - a route it does not usually serve - departing at 10.30pm GMT on Saturday.
Sir Keir said: "We will lay on additional charter flights in the coming days.
"British Airways is putting on daily flights from Oman, and we will keep working with all of our partners to increase the speed and capacity of this airlift.
"I want to be very clear, this is a huge undertaking.
"It's one of the biggest operations of its kind, many times bigger than the evacuation from Afghanistan.
"It's not going to happen overnight, but we will not stop until our people are safe."
More than 140,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office.
Starmer set out timeline for when US government requested to use British bases
14:42 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister has set out the timeline for when the US government requested to use British bases.
Responding to questions from reporters, Sir Keir Starmer said: "No request from the US came in the specific terms that we acceded until Saturday afternoon, therefore, on Friday, there was no concrete decision to be made.
"A decision had to be made when we had the request, that came in on Saturday during the course of the afternoon - we were already taking measures in relation to our own capability - that came in on Saturday afternoon, late in the afternoon.
"We then, as you would have expected, went through the details with the US over the next day, and ultimately reached a decision on Sunday, which I announced then on Sunday evening, about eight or nine o'clock.
"But actually, on Friday, we didn't have a request from the United States, and therefore no decision fell to be made.
"Decision fell to be made when we had the request, that was Saturday afternoon. We then worked it through, which was a decision of all ministers, unanimous that we should take the action that I then announced."
Watch: Britain will ‘stand by values’ despite ‘pressure to do otherwise’, says Starmer
14:37 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStarmer lists how 'special relationship' with US is still operating
14:36 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer insisted the "special relationship is in operation right now" after Donald Trump's rebuke, adding that he respected the US president taking decisions which "he considers in the national interest" of America.
The prime minister said the last time he had spoken to Mr Trump was on Saturday evening.
Asked whether the US president was right to suggest Sir Keir was spoiling the special relationship, the prime minister said: "Look, the special relationship is in operation right now.
"We're working with the Americans in the deployment from our bases. We are working together in the region, the US and the British, working together to protect both the US and the British in joint bases where we're jointly located, and we're sharing intelligence on 24/7 basis in the usual way.
"That is the special relationship. That is a special relationship in operation, and clearly, it's for the president to take decisions that he considers in the national interest the right decisions for the US.
"I understand that, I respect that, but equally, it's for me as the British prime minister to take decisions that I consider to be in the best interest of the United Kingdom.
"There's nothing controversial about that. The special relationship is operating right here at an important point."
Starmer brushes off reports of Cabinet revolt over Trump’s initial strikes
14:31 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has brushed off reports that he faced a cabinet revolt over the initial US strikes on Iran.
Reports in The Spectator suggested that Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper strongly opposed British support for US military action in Iran during a meeting on Friday.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, the prime minister said: “No request from the US came in the specific terms until Saturday afternoon…on Friday there was no concrete decision to be made.”
Starmer hasn't spoken to Trump since Saturday evening
14:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister has said he has not spoken to Donald Trump since the weekend.
When questioned if he has spoken to the US president since Trump’s critical comments about the PM- notably stating he is “no Churchill”, Sir Keir said their last conversation was on Saturday evening.
Since this conversation, Trump has said he is “surprised” by the UK’s response to the conflict, saying the UK “has not been so helpful”.
He added: “I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK.”
PM 'satisfied we can keep people safe'
14:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said he was "satisfied that we can keep our people safe" as he faced questions about the UK's preparedness over the Middle East conflict.
Asked about criticism that the Government's approach had been marked by indecision, prevarication and a lack of preparedness, the Prime Minister said Britain "started pre-deploying to the region in January and February, particularly to Cyprus and Qatar".
This included fighter jets, air defence missiles, and anti-drone systems and was done over around eight weeks in conjunction with the US and other allies, he said.
Sir Keir added: "So there's been a lot of pre-planning gone into this, a lot of pre-deployment that's gone into this.
"And I'm satisfied that we can keep our people safe and we're working very hard to make sure that wherever people have registered their presence, we can help them with the information that they need and the support they need, and get them back to the United Kingdom as quickly and as safely as possible."
'US-UK special relationship in operation right now'
14:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhen questioned about whether the prime minister has ruined the “special relationship” between the US and UK, he said: “The special relationship is in operation right now.
“The British and the US are working together to protect the British and US where jointly located.”
He added that US and UK intelligence and communication is ongoing at all times.
But he emphasised he is making decisions for the UK “as the British prime minister” which he considers to be in the nation’s best interest.
Britain will ‘stand by values’ despite ‘pressure to do otherwise’, says PM
14:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical writer Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has defended his decision to not launch offensive strikes against Iran.
Giving an update from Downing Street, the prime minister said he would make decisions based on the “national interest” and said: “It means having the strength to stand firm by our values and principles - no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”
It comes after he has received heavy criticism from Donald Trump and other key allies that Britain has not responded fast enough.
Sir Keir reiterated that the British position is that the "best way forward" is to come to a negotiated settlement with Iran.
First charter flight from Oman 'took off a few minutes ago'
14:18 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe first charter flight from Oman "took off a few minutes ago", Sir Keir Starmer said.
The Prime Minister said: "More than 4,000 people have now arrived back in the United Kingdom on commercial flights from the UAE, including vulnerable Brits identified by our teams.
"A further seven flights are due to leave the UAE for the UK today, and I can report that our first charter flight from Oman took off a few minutes ago.
"We will lay on additional charter flights in the coming days.
"British Airways is putting on daily flights from Oman, and we will keep working with all of our partners to increase the speed and capacity of this airlift.
"I want to be very clear, this is a huge undertaking."
PM focusing on 'providing calm, level-headed relationship in the national interest'
14:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said he was focused on "providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest" amid the war in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said he had chaired a Cobra meeting on Thursday morning, adding: "I know that people are worried sick about their family and friends who are caught up in this, about the impact on our lives and our economy, and about the potential for even greater escalation.
"They can hardly believe that, yet again, we are seeing missiles and drones falling and civilians in the firing line across the region.
"So, I want to reassure the British public about the action that we are taking while the region has been plunged into chaos.
"My focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest.
"That means deploying our military and diplomatic strength to protect our people, and it means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise."
He also insisted the UK had been preparing for the possibility of conflict "long before" it began with Israeli and US strikes.
Britain sending extra jets to Middle East
14:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAthena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain will be sending extra assets to the Middle East as war continues to unfold in the region.
The prime minister has said he “will not stop” until British nationals are safe, following criticism that Britain had not moved assets into the region fast enough.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Thursday, Sir Keir said he would be sending more fighter jets to the region.
Starmer to send more UK fighter jets to Cyprus but rejects pressure to join Iran-US war fight
14:12 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer announced at a press conference that the UK is sending four more Typhoon jets to join its operations in Qatar amid the conflict in the Middle East, but resisted pressure to join the US directly in the war.
His announcement comes despite pressure from Donald Trump as well as the opposition party, as he was branded “no Churchill”.
Britain will ‘stand by values’ despite ‘pressure to do otherwise’, says PM
14:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAthena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has defended his decision to not launch offensive strikes against Iran.
Giving an update from Downing Street, the prime minister said he would make decisions based on the “national interest” and said: “It means having the strength to stand firm by our values and principles - no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”
It comes after he has received heavy criticism from Donald Trump and other key allies that Britain has not responded fast enough.
Sir Keir reiterated that the British position is that the "best way forward" is to come to a negotiated settlement with Iran.
Starmer says UK is maintaining 'shield over British people'
14:09 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer listed the measures the government is taking to protect British people and allies.
He said: “We will maintain this shield over British people.
“We are working as fast as possible to get our people out.”
'Situation changed when Iran started attacking the Gulf' - PM
14:06 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe PM said: “When Iran started attacking countries around the Gulf and wider region, the situation changed.
“These are allies of the UK where we have hundreds of thousands of British people and personnel.
“Our number one priority is protecting our people.”
Starmer giving update on war in the Middle East
14:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAthena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is delivering an update on the Middle East from the Downing Street briefing room.
The prime minister began his speech by saying he had chaired another Cobra meeting this morning.
He has received criticism from key allies in recent days about Britain’s seemingly slow response to the outbreak of war in Iran.
He will then be taking questions from the media following the update.
PM seeks to reassure the public who are 'worried sick'
14:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister has said: “I know people are worried sick.
“They can hardly believe that yet agaib, we are seeing missiles and drones falling, and civilians on the firing line across the region.
“I want to reassure the British public about the action we are taking.”
The prime minister is now giving his update.
Stay tuned.
Evacuation flight has now left Oman
13:56 , Shaheena UddinThe first UK chartered evacuation flight from the Middle East has now left Oman,
The repatriation flight from Oman to Britain was initially scheduled to depart last night, but remained grounded due to problems with “getting passengers on board”.
Starmer to deliver update on Iran imminently
13:53 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s political reporter, Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver an update on the situation in the Middle East shortly.The prime minister will be setting out Britain’s latest position from the Downing Street briefing room as the war continues to expand across the region.He will be taking questions from the media amid criticism from key allies in the region that Britain has not acted fast enough.
Miliband defends his policy on oil and gas despite pressures from Trump
13:45 , Shaheena UddinEnergy Secretary Ed Miliband has defended his policy on oil and gas, after US President Donald Trump earlier this week demanded the UK Government to “open up the North Sea”. Mr Miliband has also caused for “greater energy independence for Britain” to secure the country amid global conflicts.
Mr Miliband told the Commons new North Sea exploration licences “are completely marginal to that basin and would make no difference to the prices set by international markets and paid by UK billpayers”.
He added: “This Government has taken the decision to keep existing fields open for their lifetime, including through transitional energy certificates in our North Sea future plan as called for and welcomed by industry, and also the decision not to issue new licenses to explore new fields as the science tells us the right thing to do, because this Government will not ignore the biggest long-term threat multiplier to our security and stability that we face – the climate crisis.”
Mr Miliband later said: “The lesson of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lesson of recent days is that the only route to greater energy independence for Britain is our mission and we will double down on it, because every solar panel we install, every wind turbine we put up, every nuclear power station we build makes us more secure as a country and protects families and businesses from these kind of energy shocks.”
He said: “In an unstable world, we will keep driving for energy sovereignty and abundance with clean, homegrown power – we will not gamble with the British people’s money in the fossil fuel casino and ignore the lessons of the past.”
Labour should not become 'more Green or more Reform' on migration, Mahmood says
13:35 , Shaheena UddinHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Labour should not be tempted to become “more Green” or “more Reform” on its migration policy.
Ms Mahmood admitted that it is a “difficult time” for her party as its identity is being “bitterly” contested, but insisted that Labour values are at the heart of her “firm but fair” migration reforms.
She outlined how Labour’s position on migration is the middle-ground between Reform leader Nigel Farage’s “nightmare pulling up the drawbridge and shutting out the world” and Green Party leader Zack Polanski’s “fairytale of open borders” in a speech at the centre-left think tank IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) on Thursday.
The Home Secretary faces a backbench revolt over the plans, which include people granted asylum in the UK having their refugee status made temporary and subject to review every 30 months.
A small number of failed asylum seekers will be offered an “increased incentive payment” of £10,000 per person and up to £40,000 per family to leave Britain under a pilot scheme, Ms Mahmood announced.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK receives second big donation from Thai-based crypto billionaire
13:33 , Shaheena UddinReform UK has secured a second multi-million pound donation from a Thai- based billionaire, boosting the party’s war chest ahead of the crucial May elections.
The £3 million donation from Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency investor who bankrolled Brexit, came on top of the record £9m that he gave to Nigel Farage’s party last year. The party received a total of £5.5m in donations in the last quarter of 2025 - more than any other party, according to figures by the Electoral Commission.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party receives second big donation from crypto investor
No 10 rejects criticism that UK was not prepared for outbreak of war
13:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical writer Athena Stavrou reports:
Downing Street has rejected criticism that the UK did not have enough assets in the Middle East ahead of war breaking out in the region.
The UK has Britain has faced criticism from key allies that its response to a strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus has been too slow.
Asked about such criticism, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “I don’t accept that. I think the fact is, operational questions, operational decision-making is always kept under review.”
Asked why the decision to send assets to the region reportedly came several weeks after the US first requested use of UK bases, they added: “I refute that.
“I think we set out yesterday that our defensive capabilities have been deployed since January. That includes air defence, radar systems and F-35 jets in Cyprus and Typhoons in Qatar.”
Evacuation flight expected to depart imminently
13:21 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s political reporter, Athena Stavrou writes:
The first UK chartered evacuation flight from the Middle East is expected to depart imminently.
The repatriation flight from Oman to Britain was initially scheduled to depart last night, but remained grounded due to problems with “getting passengers on board”.
The plane is expected to have left Oman at midday UK time on Thursday instead.
Changing course on renewable energy 'would be such a dangerous and reckless strategy', Miliband says
13:15 , Shaheena UddinEd Miliband has said the Middle East conflict has shown why his opponents’ calls to change course on renewable energy “would be such a dangerous and reckless strategy”.
The Energy Secretary told the Commons when he announced the result of a renewables auction earlier this year, he “warned the House that people can have incredibly short memories, given that we’re just four years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
Mr Miliband said: “I warned at the time it was a foolish and dangerous gamble to bet on geopolitical stability at a time of greater geopolitical instability than at any time for generations.
“I warned the opposition failed to learn the lessons from the Ukraine crisis, which caused the worst cost-of-living crisis in memory, and I warned that a dogma of opposing clean energy would damage this country and risk families and businesses being left to pick up the bill.
“The events of recent days have unfortunately shown why this would be such a dangerous and reckless strategy and we will continue to reject it.”
Foreign secretary in Cobra meeting discussing Middle East escalation
13:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainForeign secretary Yvette Cooper is currently in the ministerial Cobra meeting discussing the situation in the Middle East, MPs were told after she was criticised for not appearing in the Commons to deliver a statement.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said: "I would just say about the foreign secretary, she was in this House throughout the week, including at Foreign Office orals on Tuesday. We covered these issues in some detail with the prime minister yesterday.
"The foreign secretary is currently in the ministerial Cobra discussing these issues.
"She will, of course, make herself available to the House as much as she possibly can.
"I would hope that my colleagues across the House would recognise that I speak a great deal in this House because of their interest in these issues, and I will continue to return when the Foreign Secretary is unable to."
Mr Falconer also told MPs that the the British ambassador to Oman is currently in Muscat International Airport "to ensure the successful departure of flights".
Hangar was hit at Cyprus RAF base, Downing Street says
13:12 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s political reporter, Athena Stavrou writes:
Downing Street has confirmed further details about the strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus over the weekend.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper originally said on Monday that the drone had hit the runway at the British base, but photos appeared to show a hole in the hangar at the base instead.
Asked about which reports were true, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “Our current understanding is that the drone hit a hanger on the air base. There were no casualties. The damage was minimal. There’s also been no damage to equipment inside the hangar.”
They also added that the drone was likely an Iranian-made Shahed-type drone, but that it was not launched from Iran.
Government is confident in 'our security of supply' of gas, Energy Secretary says
13:10 , Shaheena UddinThe Energy Secretary has said that the Government is confident in “our security of supply” of gas.
Ed Miliband told the Commons on Thursday: “In the days since the conflict began, we’ve seen Iran target energy production and export infrastructure across the Gulf.
“Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of global oil and LNG is shipped, has declined very significantly, and the Iranian regime has issued reckless and unjustified threats to all ships using it.”
He added: “I’ve been in touch with National Gas and Neso (National Energy System Operator), who are confident about our security of supply (of gas). On oil, we hold substantial emergency commercial stocks and stand ready to work with the International Energy Agency to support the stability of oil markets if needed.”
He warned that, as with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK would be exposed to price competition in international oil and gas markets, which would push up wholesale prices.
“The Government continues to monitor the situation closely and work with our international partners,” he added.Mr Miliband also reiterated that the consumer energy price cap, which is set to fall by 7 per cent from April 1, is fixed until the start July.”
Starmer to give update on Middle East
13:04 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s political reporter, Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer is set to give an update on the unfolding situation in the Middle East following criticism from key allies that the UK has not responded quickly enough.
The prime minister will give a speech and take questions from the media in Downing Street at 2pm.
It comes as Britain has been facing criticism for failing to have enough military assets in the Middle East after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone.
Cyprus’s high commissioner to the UK said a British military presence to defend the island was “the least we expect”, in a criticism of the UK’s approach to managing the conflict.
Oil, gas and stocks fluctuate over Iran war – what does it mean for your money, pension and energy prices?
13:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe price of wholesale oil and gas remains high after a bruising start to the week prompted by the crisis in the Middle East which stoked fears about the longer-term hit to the global economy.
The widespread conflict, which began after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on the weekend, hit commodity prices and stock markets, prompting concerns that the impact will trickle down to working people, who may see price hikes to their fuel, heating energy and - if left unchecked for too long - some foods and day-to-day products.
Read more from Karl Matchett here:
Oil, gas and stocks fluctuate over Iran – what it means for your money and pension
Experts criticise home secretary's new plan
12:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHere are some responses to news that failed asylum seeker families will be paid up to £40,000 to leave or be deported:
Anita Hurrell, head of. policy at Coram Children’s Legal Centre, said: “Families need access to quality legal representation so that they get a fair hearing of their protection claims and any claims to stay in the UK, including for children born or growing up here. We oppose any system of forced family removal that involves the administrative detention of children. The government proudly removed extended child detention powers only last year; we would be disappointed to see the government now seeking to detain babies and children for immigration purposes.”
Kamena Dorling, director of policy at Helen Bamber Foundation Group, said: "Medical research has consistently shown that immigration detention, even for short periods, is traumatising for children, with serious impact on both their mental and physical health. Reintroducing child detention and imposing forced destitution to coerce families to leave the UK has already been proven ineffective and will cause significant harm."
Imran Hussain, executive director of communications and external affairs at the Refugee Council, said: “The British public wants to see a fair and controlled asylum system that treats people with dignity. But giving families just seven days to decide whether to uproot their children’s lives, often without access to proper legal advice, risks creating chaos rather than control. Many families simply do not feel safe to return to their countries of origin. And nobody wants to see distressed children detained and forced onto deportation flights.
“Families are far more likely to engage if given proper time, support and legal advice – making it more effective, and better value for the taxpayer.”
Middle East allies feel ‘failed’ by UK’s response to Iran war
08:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitics reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Key UK’s allies in the Middle East have expressed concern at Britain’s slow response to the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
Allies in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates reportedly feel failed by the UK’s lack of an immediate response to the strikes in the region.
It comes after Cyprus’ high commissioner to the UK also criticised Britain’s slow movements to defend the island after a strike on RAF Akrotiri.
A UAE source told The Times there was a feeling that Sir Keir Starmer “had to be dragged there”, adding: “It obviously reflects badly in the eyes of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
Kyriacos Kouros, Cyprus’s high commissioner to the UK said that a British presence is “the least we expect” as a warship being readied to protect the British base there is not set to sail until next week.
He said: “The French are coming. The least we expect is the Britons to also be present since, as I said, we are not only defending Cypriots on the islands.”
