British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Sunday that the decision to deploy additional Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East was primarily aimed at safeguarding UK personnel and military infrastructure, though support for allies, including Israel, remains on the table.
Reeves described the move as a "precautionary measure" in response to heightened regional tensions following reciprocal strikes between Israel and Iran overnight. "We're sending in assets to both protect ourselves and also potentially to support our allies," she stated.
When asked if Britain would respond to a formal request for assistance from Israel, Reeves pointed to past instances of UK support. “We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in,” she said, referencing the RAF's role in intercepting Iranian drones in April, as well as earlier operations involving British fighter jets and refuelling aircraft.
However, Britain’s relationship with Israel has grown increasingly complex in recent months. Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers — National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich — citing repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians. Israel condemned the move as “outrageous”.
Despite its firm support for Israel's right to defend itself, the UK has also expressed growing concern over the conduct of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
In a further sign of unease, Britain’s Foreign Office updated its travel advisory on Sunday to warn against all travel to Israel, tightening earlier guidance issued on Friday, which cautioned against all but essential visits.
The evolving situation underscores the tightrope London is walking: committed to regional security and historical alliances, yet increasingly vocal on humanitarian concerns and the risks of broader conflict.
Britain’s King Charles will travel to Ottawa for the state opening of Parliament, highlighting continued ties with Canada, where he remains head of state.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Five men have been arrested in the UK, including four Iranian nationals, over an alleged terrorist plot.
Britain’s Prince Harry says he is deeply disappointed after a UK court upheld the decision to deny him full police protection.
Political directors from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Rome on Friday, according to two diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting to Reuters.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru, killing at least one person and causing damage across the capital, Lima.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
Thousands gathered in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest the impact of mass tourism, accusing it of driving up housing costs and displacing residents.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
An Air India flight with 242 passengers on board crashed in Meghaninagar, close to Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, on Thursday afternoon.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru, killing at least one person and causing damage across the capital, Lima.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
Thousands gathered in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest the impact of mass tourism, accusing it of driving up housing costs and displacing residents.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru, killing at least one person and causing damage across the capital, Lima.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
Thousands gathered in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest the impact of mass tourism, accusing it of driving up housing costs and displacing residents.
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