Keir Starmer condemned Iran’s attacks on Qatari gas facilities after holding an emergency Cobra meeting on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East
Iranian strikes on Qatari gas facilities risk pushing the Middle East further into crisis, Keir Starmer has warned.
The Prime Minister said he condemned the attacks after he held an emergency Cobra meeting on the deteriorating situation in the region. It is understood top ministers at the Downing Street meeting discussed the domestic impact of the war, including planning contingency measures.
Mr Starmer posted on X: “I condemn in the strongest terms the overnight Iranian strike on a Qatari gas facility. We are working towards a swift resolution to the situation in the Middle East, in the best interests of the British people – because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living.”
Tehran’s strikes on oil and gas facilities overnight came in retaliation for an Israeli strike on South Pars – a key Iranian gas field. US President Donald Trump claimed America “knew nothing” of Israel’s strike – but also threatened to “massively blow up the entirety” of Iran’s gas field.
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Pressed on Thursday’s Cobra meeting, Mr Starmer’s official spokesman said: “I wouldn’t get into discussion held at Cobra. But we have been clear that the government will fight people’s corner to tackle the cost of living crisis. As you know, energy bills are also coming down in April thanks to the action we took at the Budget.
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“We’ve been clear the only way to take back control of Britain’s energy and bring down bills for good is with clean, homegrown energy.”
On Thursday, the PM also held calls with the NATO General Secretary, Mark Rutte, and the French President Emmanual Macron A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, this morning.
“The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the egregious Iranian strikes on Qatari energy facilities. Attacks on critical infrastructure risked pushing the region further into crisis, the leaders agreed.
“Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, the leaders reiterated the importance of securing the key maritime route and supporting freedom of navigation for shipping. It was vital partners worked together on a viable plan, the Prime Minister added. The leaders agreed to speak again soon.”