Middle East

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Healey]

First and foremost, we are ensuring that we can protect British interests in the region. We are looking to protect our allies in the region, and everything we do is in co-ordination with our partners in the region. I hope the hon. Lady takes some encouragement from the announcement that we helped to co-ordinate and publish at the end of last week about the importance of opening the strait of Hormuz, which has now been signed by 29 other nations.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Does the Secretary of State have contacts at US Central Command that can give reassurance that there is a plan? The President’s social media feed gives the opposite impression. Is Britain at war?

[John Healey]

Yes to the first question; no to the second.