UK to host 35-nation summit on Strait of Hormuz safety

On April 1, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will host a summit of 35 nations to address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The meetings, organized by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, aim to evaluate diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of trapped vessels and crews. The participating countries, which include Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, previously signed a joint declaration to support safe transit in the region. Following these diplomatic discussions, military planners will be convened to assess potential actions to keep the Strait accessible after hostilities cease. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the reopening of the waterway will be a difficult process. He also explicitly stated that the UK will not engage in the Middle East conflict, characterizing it as not being Britain's war. Despite the focus on external security, the government acknowledged the potential for severe economic consequences and committed to taking measures to mitigate the rising cost of living for British citizens.