Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Keir Starmer after it became clear that the UK will not participate in a proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president announced on Sunday that America, alongside “other countries”, would move to halt vessels entering and leaving the strategically crucial waterway. The route typically carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied gas supplies.
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However, traffic through the strait has effectively stalled since the outbreak of conflict, with Iran reportedly targeting tankers attempting to pass unless a toll is paid.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. “Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED,’ and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!”
UK Position On Strait Of Hormuz Blockade And Global Shipping Security
Despite Washington’s plans, the UK is not expected to take part in the blockade initiative, although British minehunter vessels are already deployed in the region.
A government spokesperson said: “We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home.
“The Strait of Hormuz must not be subject to tolling. We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation.”
Trump Renews Criticism Of Starmer And NATO In Fox News Interview
Trump also used a Fox News interview on Sunday to repeat his comparison between Keir Starmer and Neville Chamberlain, the British prime minister associated with appeasement policies in the 1930s.
He said: “Nato is shameful. I mean, look at the United Kingdom.
“PM Starmer said ‘we’ll send the equipment after the war is over’. I said ‘you don’t need equipment when the war is over. You need the equipment before the war starts, or during the war’. “He made a public statement that ‘we will send equipment after the war is over’, that’s a Neville Chamberlain statement.”
Political Reaction As Calls Grow For Diplomatic Resolution
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged a diplomatic approach, warning against further escalation.
He said: “The UK should be working with other countries to get the US and Iran back to the negotiating table, not fanning the flames of war.
“It’s just days since Trump threatened to destroy a whole civilisation, and a return to war would be disastrous. The prime minister needs to work in lock-step with our reliable partners to secure a diplomatic end to this crisis.”
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