Sir Keir Starmer Urges British Nationals to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict
NEW YORK — In the midst of intensifying clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to British citizens in Lebanon: “now is the time to leave”.
Sir Keir emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “we are ramping up the contingency plans, I think you’d expect that in light of the escalation”, and urging UK citizens to “leave immediately”.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is mobilizing 700 troops to nearby Cyprus in preparation for a potential evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon, while the government maintains its advisory against all travel to the country.
Describing the situation in Lebanon as rapidly deteriorating with devastating consequences, the health minister of Lebanon has characterized the ongoing events as “carnage”, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties from Israeli airstrikes.
Amid concerns of potential chaos reminiscent of the Taliban’s takeover in Kabul, Sir Keir assured reporters that the priority was ensuring the safety of British nationals in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to evacuate immediately.
With commercial flights still operational in Lebanon, a senior government source highlighted a key distinction from previous crises, offering some reassurance to those seeking to leave the country.
Addressing the possibility of all-out war in the Middle East, Sir Keir expressed deep concern and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, aligning with the stance of other government officials.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of de-escalation and loss prevention, affirming the UK government’s readiness to support British citizens in Lebanon if the situation worsens.
With significant diplomatic and military assets already in the region, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and naval vessels in the Mediterranean, the UK is well-positioned to respond to any escalating crisis.
As tensions continue to mount, discussions on the Middle East conflict are expected to feature prominently at the UN General Assembly, with Sir Keir already in New York for crucial meetings.
The recent escalation in violence follows a series of attacks between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, culminating in a wave of airstrikes and retaliatory actions that have claimed hundreds of lives.
Against this backdrop of escalating conflict, the safety and evacuation of British nationals remain a top priority for the UK government, as international leaders convene to address the unfolding crisis.
