British evacuation ship RFA Lyme Bay sets sail from Gibraltar as it prepares for rescue operation

A Ministry of Defence spokesman stated: "RFA Lyme Bay has sailed to undertake training and drills.

"As part of prudent planning, she is at heightened readiness as a precaution, should she be needed to assist in maritime tasks in the Eastern Mediterranean."

Throughout the previous week, the vessel took on supplies whilst moored at the South Mole.

The 579ft Bay-class dock landing ship spent much of last week taking on medical equipment while berthed in Gibraltar, enabling it to function as a hospital vessel if required.

The ship features both aviation and medical facilities, positioning it to provide crucial assistance should the situation deteriorate further and evacuations become necessary from Lebanon.

RFA Lyme Bay could prove vital in bringing British nationals to safety, with approximately 173,000 UK citizens having registered their presence in the region through the Foreign Office.

The vessel will not participate in any British operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

As a Bay-class landing ship, the vessel is designed to transport troops, vehicles, stores and ammunition during fleet operations worldwide.

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer capable of intercepting drones and ballistic missiles launched by Iran and its proxies, departed Portsmouth last week bound for Cyprus.

The warship's deployment came in response to a drone strike that struck RAF Akrotiri on the island.

Labour is also reportedly weighing whether to dispatch interceptor drones to strengthen the base's defences.

British military aircraft have continued conducting defensive operations across the region.

The MoD said: "Overnight Typhoon and F-35 jets, supported by Voyager air to air refuelling, have flown sorties in defence of British interests and allies across Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, Jordan and Bahrain."

Should RFA Lyme Bay receive deployment orders, it would join HMS Dragon in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to use a press conference later today to criticise his political opponents over their handling of the Iran crisis.

The Prime Minister is expected to take aim at Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, saying: "Moments like this also tell you about leadership. Now, there are others who would have made a different decision two weeks ago.

"They would have rushed the UK headlong into this war without the full picture of what they were sending our forces into and without a plan to get us out.

"That's not leading, it's following."

The Prime Minister is expected to add: "My leadership is about standing firm for the British interest. No matter the pressure.

"I believe time will show that we have the right approach."

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