Keir Starmer to travel to Middle East today to meet allies amid last-minute Iran ceasefire

Susanna Siddell
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:37:17 +0000

Sir Keir Starmer is set to travel to the Middle East today to meet allies following Donald Trump's last-minute ceasefire with Iran.

Last night, the US President confirmed he would hold off on wiping out the country for two weeks, with Israel agreeing to do the same, barring its attacks on Lebanon.

Now, this morning, as he readies himself to jet off to the region, the Prime Minister vowed Britain would "do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire."

Sir Keir added: "I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.

"Together with out partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz."

In a meeting with leaders across the Middle East, the PM will double down on support for a "diplomatic and lasting" resolution to the conflict engulfing the region since the end of February.

Sir Keir's first stop on his trip abroad will be to "thank the UK and local personnel who have bravely put their lives at risk in the defence of our people", No10 said.

No10 will lead talks to ensure the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz - a key maritime passage blockaded by Iran, sending fuel prices soaring and subsequently causing a headache for both Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband.

FOLLOW ALONG FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY...

Keir Starmer blasted for 'indecision' and leaving allies 'disappointed' over Iran war

Sir Keir Starmer was blasted for his "indecision" and leaving friends and allies "disappointed" over the Iran war.

Speaking to GB News on the last-minute ceasefire deal, Sir James said: "Well, it's not really news. The Prime Minister is desperately trying to regain some credibility.

"Having been slow and indecisive throughout this situation, he's changed positions. He was opposing the United States using their own aircraft from British bases.

"Then he was in favour of it. He delayed the decision to deploy British naval assets. He left British military personnel and our allies in the region not properly defended, and now he's finally engaging properly with this situation.

"Unfortunately, he has cost this country credibility on the world stage. And I know a lot of our friends and allies in the region and beyond are very disappointed in Britain's response.

"And that is entirely because of decisions that Keir Starmer failed to make."

Global oil prices plummet following US-Iran ceasefire announcement

Global oil prices have plummeted following the ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced last night.

Part of the deal reached included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after its weeks' long blockade send fuel costs soaring.

The price of standard Brent Crude dropped by around 13 per cent to $94.80 (£70.73) a barrel after the last-minute deal was announced.

Meanwhile, US-traded oil was more than 15 per cent lower at $95.75. Just before the conflict began, the oil cost around $70 a barrel.

Tories vow to BAN four-day work weeks on full pay

The Conservative Party has vowed to ditch four-day working weeks while on full pay, if they win the next election.

Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly announced the legislation to ban public services from handing out full pay to those working for a part-time job.

He said: "Taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time services."

What is happening in UK politics today?

Good morning and welcome to the GB News Politics blog. Here's what is happening in Westminster and beyond today...

Resident doctors have entered their second day of six days of strike action in long-running dispute with the Government over their pay. The British Medical Assocation said last month that the latest offer received from Health Secretary Wes Streeting was inadequate.

Meanwhile, on the campaign trail ahead of the Local Elections, political parties will be gearing up for a series of press conferences to make their pitch to voters.

Later this morning, GB News will be joined by Labour's Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, Policing Minister as well as the Tories' James Cleverly MP, Shadow Local Government Secretary.

Follow along for the latest.