Keir Starmer

We've always acted in collective self-defence.

But my job is to protect the UK lives, of course, which is what we've been doing here from this base, but also to protect our interests.

And it's in our interests, our national interests, to get the Strait of Hormuz open.

We're not getting drawn into this war.

We've always acted in collective self-defence.

But my job is to protect the UK lives, of course, which is what we've been doing here from this base, but also to protect our interests.

And it's in our interests, our national interests, to get the Strait of Hormuz open.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says diplomatic, political and military measures are all on the table, but plans will only be put into action once the fighting has stopped.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would host a virtual meeting this week of 35 nations to discuss diplomatic and political measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Among the countries attending are Canada, European nations, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Starmer said military planners would then meet to discuss naval options.

But he said he had to level with the British public and acknowledged that keeping the straight open will not be easy.

Fatima al-Kassab, NPR News, London.

We're exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us.

And the UK has now brought together 35 nations around our statement of intent to push as one for maritime security across the Gulf.

We're exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us.

And the UK has now brought together 35 nations around our statement of intent to push as one for maritime security across the Gulf.

Whatever the noise, I'm the British Prime Minister and I have to act in our national interests.

The spin-up.

A good deal of pressure on me to change my position in relation to joining the war.