British PM Starmer: UK and France to Hold Summit This Week to Promote Opening of Strait of Hormuz

On April 14, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in Parliament that he would convene a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron this week. The summit's agenda includes discussing measures to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Starmer noted that the UK has successfully mobilized numerous countries to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The summit will address two primary areas: applying diplomatic pressure to achieve a conflict resolution and the reopening of the Strait, and developing "military planning" to guarantee the safety of international shipping once regional stability is restored. Starmer reiterated that any actions to secure navigation in the Strait are conditional on the cessation of hostilities, including the removal of mines potentially laid by Iran. He stressed that the UK and its allies aim to formulate an "independent" multinational action plan. Starmer affirmed the UK's intention to remain uninvolved in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Previously, on April 2, the UK, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, hosted a virtual meeting with foreign ministers from over 40 nations to explore options for reopening the Strait. Starmer urged all parties to pursue diplomatic solutions and prevent further escalation. He also suggested that the recently announced 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran should be extended to include Lebanon. Starmer criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon as "wrong" and called for their immediate cessation, while also asserting that Hezbollah must be disarmed. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar from April 8-10, Starmer observed a consensus among leaders regarding the critical importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting any Iranian preconditions or demands for transit fees. He highlighted that securing navigation in the Middle East is vital for British national interests, acknowledging that this goal requires time and sustained effort. Starmer noted that the effective blockade of the Strait has contributed to rising international oil and gas prices. To mitigate the impact of volatile energy bills on British citizens, the UK government plans to accelerate its pursuit of "energy independence" by expanding local renewable energy sources and constructing small modular reactors (SMRs). Separately, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the cancellation of King Charles III's state visit to the US, citing former President Donald Trump's past controversial remarks concerning Iran. Davey characterized Trump's comments as reckless and immoral. Starmer, however, confirmed that the King's visit, intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence and celebrate bilateral relations, would proceed as planned. Starmer also stated that Trump's "civilization will be wiped out" comment was a mistake and amounted to threatening Iranian civilians.