The UK’s role in the Gulf should be judged on what it has done, not on Donald Trump’s social media posts, the defence secretary has said.
Speaking at a conference in London, John Healey said the government’s recent actions in the region “spoke for themselves”. His comments came as Keir Starmer returned to the UK after a trip focused in part on efforts to keep the strait of Hormuz open.
The prime minister discussed the issue with Donald Trump, and also met leaders in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain during the visit.
The remarks come against the backdrop of the Middle East crisis, with the UK’s military presence and diplomatic activity in the Gulf drawing close attention. The source said the use of UK military bases in the region had been “invaluable” to the US military operation in Iran.
Healey’s comments were framed as a response to the idea that Britain’s value to Washington should be measured by online commentary or political messaging. Instead, he argued, the UK’s practical contribution in the Gulf was the more relevant test.
The focus on the strait of Hormuz underlines the importance of the waterway to regional security and international trade. Keeping it open has been a central concern for governments in the region and for Western allies watching the wider crisis.
Starmer’s meetings in the Gulf and his discussion with Trump suggest the issue remains a live diplomatic priority. The government is continuing to balance its security role, its alliance with the US and its relationships with Gulf states as the situation develops.
Healey’s message was clear: Britain’s worth in the crisis should be measured by the substance of its actions in the Gulf, not by remarks made on social media.
