Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan – Duncan Norman [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 March 2026.

Mr Duncan Norman MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan in succession to Mr Fergus Auld OBE.

Mr Duncan Norman MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan in succession to Mr Fergus Auld OBE. Mr Norman will take up his appointment during May 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Duncan Charles Norman

Year	Role
2023 to 2024	National Security Secretariat, Deputy Director, Joint Funds Unit
2022 to 2023	FCDO, Deputy Director Ukraine Recovery Conference Unit
2021 to 2022	Home Office, Deputy Director, International Criminality Directorate
2016 to 2021	Tirana, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2015 to 2016	Pre-posting training (including Albanian language training)
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head of Afghanistan Unit
2010 to 2013	FCO, Head of HR Services Unit
2007 to 2010	Dhaka, Deputy Head of Mission
2006 to 2007	Dhaka, First Secretary Political
2004 to 2006	Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Head of the Governor’s Office
2000 to 2003	FCO, Middle East Department
1998 to 2000	Yerevan, Deputy Head of Mission
1994 to 1997	Riyadh, Vice Consul
1993 to 1994	FCO, Research Dept
1990 to 1993	FCO, Finance Dept and Joint Assistance Unit
1990	Joined FCO

March 4, 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2026.

Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe.
- Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe. 
- Upgraded deal makes Yeovil the global centre for Leonardo’s military helicopter production and exports, and sets up the UK as a leader for uncrewed and autonomous systems, a key frontier technology in the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.  
- International orders for Leonardo’s military helicopters built in Yeovil could see over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years.
Thousands of skilled British jobs have been secured with a major helicopter deal that will boost the UK Armed Forces’ battlefield kit and makes Britain Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production and exports – worth a potential £15 billion over the next decade.  

The £1 billion deal will also make Yeovil the centre of excellence for military helicopter autonomy, as the Ministry of Defence invests further in Proteus – the UK’s first autonomous uncrewed air system which is built by Leonardo and recently undertook its first flight. The development of uncrewed and autonomous technology in the UK is at the heart of the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy and could offer the opportunity to make platforms such as NMH optionally-crewed.

The new deal secured by the Government with Leonardo will provide the UK Armed Forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – and paves the path for future military international orders to be built in the UK, with an increased workshare for the UK above 40%. There are around 20 countries with requirements for new medium-lift helicopters. Together with Leonardo’s other helicopters, international orders for NMH could generate over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years. 

The agreement secures the future of the UK’s sovereign helicopter production and Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset, sustaining 3,300 jobs. This includes 650 people working directly on NMH and more involved with autonomous systems and providing ongoing support and manufacture of the Merlin and Wildcat helicopter fleets. With a UK supply chain of nearly 70 companies, the programme also secures sovereign defence skills and expertise for decades to come.   

The deal represents a major investment into the UK’s industrial base – a key pillar of delivery for the Defence Industrial Strategy and other growth driving sectors like Advanced Manufacturing and Digital and Technology.  

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This defence investment works for Britain on every level. It strengthens our Armed Forces, secures thousands of skilled British jobs, and sets up big export opportunities. It is a major vote of confidence in British industry, British workers and British innovation.   

This Government’s broad deal makes Yeovil the proud home of Leonardo’s global military helicopter production, building world-class helicopters for our forces and allies around the world for many years to come.  It backs British jobs and security today and makes the UK a pace-setter in uncrewed, technology and innovation for tomorrow. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

In an uncertain world we are backing Britain’s world‑class defence sector to both keep Britain safe and drive economic growth.

This historic partnership not only supports British jobs and security today, but positions the UK and its allies at the forefront of the next generation of defence and autonomous systems tomorrow.

The upgraded deal is the result of the government’s commitment to a new partnership and new ways of working with industry as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – and makes the MOD’s relationship with Leonardo even stronger.  

In a major backing for Britain, the partnership will see the UK lead the world in helicopter innovation and autonomy, with Leonardo setting up Yeovil as a future centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters. Proteus, which undertook its first flight at the end of January, is being developed to conduct a range of missions, including aspects of anti-submarine warfare.  

The agreement paves the path for future export orders of the AW149 helicopter to be built in the UK, significantly expanding the UK’s workshare for the aircraft and growing the local workforce in the South West, with a potential to sustain 3,900 jobs – a 20% increase. 

Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Helicopters UK, Leonardo said:

We welcome the decision to award the New Medium Helicopter contract to supply medium lift helicopters to the Ministry of Defence, as well as the continued investment in Proteus – our autonomous rotary wing uncrewed air system in development with the Royal Navy.

Leonardo is committed to providing the UK Armed Forces with a world-class medium lift helicopter based on our leading AW149 platform that will serve our military personnel for many years to come.

The Government’s procurement of the AW149, as well as the continued investment in autonomy, will support more than 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, as well as 12,000 across the UK supply chain.

As the nature of warfare changes, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the continued importance of helicopters on the battlefield – transporting forces, kit and capabilities in complex environments. The NMH is capable of operating in all environments in support of defence operations around the globe, from warfighting to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.  

The AW149 NMH will deliver multiple rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means that the platform will be able to undertake defence tasks that were previously delivered by three different aircraft types, streamlining our capabilities – improving efficiency and operational flexibility now and in the future.  

The new deal delivers on the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – improving warfighting readiness, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, and making defence as an engine for growth. The Ministry of Defence spends nearly £7 billion with the defence industry in the South-West, which supports more than 37,000 jobs.   

The procurement is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 with £270 billion this Parliament.
March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Top UK music acts awarded £1.4 million funding to raise profile  [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 March 2026.

Top UK music acts awarded £1.4 million funding to raise global profile.
- Best of  UK music talent awarded funding as 68 independent acts receive total £1.4 million 
- Money will raise the profile of UK music worldwide, helping increase global fanbase and deliver economic growth for country  
- Grants provide lifeline of support for UK music industry grappling with the age of streaming’s challenges and opportunities
Rising UK music stars have been awarded funding to unveil the best of this country’s talent to the world with £1.4 million to attract new fans, drive revenue, and boost the music industry. 

Streaming has made music more globally accessible than ever before, bringing increased opportunity and competition in equal measure for UK artists.

The BPI estimates that UK acts account for around 8-9% of global streams, however this is below the average of around 10% in recent years.

The Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) is a lifeline for independent UK acts and companies, providing critical support with grants of £5,000 – £50,000 to break artists into the international music scene who, after achieving domestic success, have sights set on a global following. 

Its track record speaks volumes for the impact it continues to have on the UK music industry. MEGS has supported the international careers of over 522 British artists, and according to the BPI, over the previous 23 rounds has already delivered an estimated £73.5 million financial return for the UK economy.

Successful applicants this year include the likes of Nina Nesbitt, Black Country, New Road, Dry Cleaning, The Snuts, Wes Nelson and The Wellermen. 

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

Streaming has revolutionised access to music for fans worldwide, but it has also created unique challenges for smaller artists and independent labels.

This scheme moves the dial for indie music by funding global tours and promotion, removing the financial hurdles which would otherwise prevent our best home-grown talent from blossoming into international success stories.

Securing MEGS funding is a launchpad that will help artists and labels reach the ears of new fans and follow in the footsteps of past recipients like Ezra Collective and Dave who turned this opportunity into standout global success.

According to the IFPI, the UK is the third biggest music market in the world – the biggest in Europe – and according to the BPI, the second biggest exporter of recorded music after the U.S.  A diversity of acts from across the UK is fundamental to the industry’s continued success.  

That’s why the government is committed to ensuring MEGS reaches artists and companies wherever they are based.  Around two thirds of the MEGS recipients were originally from outside London, helping develop record labels and accelerate success across the country. 

According to the BPI for every pound from government, MEGS generates an economic return of £14 and a tangible cultural payoff, with successful acts going on to achieve numerous BRIT Award nominations and wins, 19 shortlists for the Mercury Prize and 4 Album of the Year wins, as well as hundreds of millions in global streams. 

Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said:  

In an increasingly competitive global landscape, the Music Export Growth Scheme is a vital springboard for UK artists looking to reach international audiences and build their profiles, and a critical resource for the UK’s SME music businesses and independent sector. It’s also a proven financial success, generating a significant return on investment, and a great example of what can be achieved when industry and Government come together in support of Britain’s world-class music ecosystem.  

MEGS alumni have gone on to become BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winners, chart-toppers and household names. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the 68 fantastic artists supported by this latest round, and grateful to the UK Government for their continued support of the Scheme.

Black Country, New Road said: 

Receiving MEGS has and will help us tour to a high standard during difficult times when the cost of things keep rising and rising. We would like to say thanks. 

The Wellermen said: 

We can’t thank the MEGS funding panel enough for their invaluable support. Touring is financially difficult at the best of times, but right now it is harder than ever. Their crucial support means we can hit the road again this March to promote our new 1778 EP in the USA. This will be our 4th tour in the USA, each one meaning we cement and further grow our dedicated fanbase over there.

Wes Nelson said: 

Really excited and grateful to have been awarded a grant by the MEGS team. This grant means I can do my first shows in Europe with my band, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Can’t wait to hit the road and spread my music, massive massive thank you to everyone at the MEGS team.

Nina Nesbitt said: 

As an independent artist releasing through my own label, I’m incredibly grateful to receive support from the MEGS board and BPI. I want to thank the board for recognising my vision and the strength of independent artists building internationally from the ground up. 

This funding represents an important step in expanding my music overseas and investing strategically in my next campaign. It will enable me to grow internationally, reach new audiences, and continue building a global career on my own terms.
March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Landmark consultation seeks views on major measures to protect children on social media, gaming platforms and AI chatbots [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 2 March 2026.

Government launches a landmark consultation on UK children’s digital wellbeing, covering social media age bans, curfews, AI chatbots and gaming.
- Expansive consultation opens to explore measures to keep children safe across the internet, from social media to gaming sites
- Consultation will consider whether to ban social media for children, effects of gaming, restriction of AI chatbots features, and overnight curfews
- Government will run real-world pilots with families and teenagers to examine how potential future social media restrictions could work in practice
Parents, guardians, and young people across the UK are being urged to shape the country’s next steps on children’s digital wellbeing, as the UK government opens the world’s most ambitious consultation on social media today (Monday 2 March).

The consultation will gather insights from the public on how to keep children safe online across social media, AI chatbots and gaming platforms.

Millions of parents across the country worry about what social media is doing to their children’s sleep, concentration and mental health. Many feel they are fighting a losing battle against platforms designed to keep children scrolling. They are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having. They worry about their children talking to chatbots as if they’re real people and relying on their advice.

The Online Safety Act brought in strong protections, but there is growing agreement that more needs to be done. The contributions to this consultation will determine how the government will decide what that looks like.

Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s. Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online. That is why this consultation looks beyond a ban and covers a full range of options, from curfews, to the impact of chatbots and gaming. It also asks the questions about how any new rules would work in practice to ensure they are effective.

Key questions the consultation will explore include some of the most talked-about potential changes:
- whether there should be a minimum age for social media, and if so, what age would be right
- whether platforms should be required to switch off addictive features that keep children hooked late into the night – like infinite scrolling and autoplay
- whether mandatory overnight curfews would help children sleep better and what age they should apply to
- whether children should be able to use AI chatbots without restriction
- how age verification enforcement should be strengthened
- how to help children and parents navigate the digital world and thrive online
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one.

We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having.

This is why we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change.

Together, we will create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Technology is fundamentally changing childhood. Used well, it can open up new opportunities for learning, creativity and connection, but only if we get the balance right. That is why we want to hear directly from parents, teachers and young people about how we strike that balance and give children the very best childhood in a digital age.

Today’s consultation is a vital next step. For the first time, we will also publish guidance on healthy screen time for children aged 5 to 16, giving parents the practical tools to help their children build a healthier relationship with technology from an early age.

Every child deserves a childhood – real experiences, real friendships, real opportunities. We are determined to make that a reality, both inside and outside the classroom.

The 3-month consultation is open to everyone with a view:
- parents
- carers
- young people
- those who work with children
- civil society organisations
- academics
- industry
Dedicated versions have been developed for young people and for parents and carers, making it easier for them to share their experiences and views.

The consultation will close on 26 May 2026.

The government will respond in the summer, acting swiftly on the evidence gathered.

The Prime Minister and Technology Secretary have announced new legislative powers that will allow the government to act at pace on the consultation’s findings – meaning that once passed, ministers can move within months instead of waiting years for new legislation every time technology evolves.

The government will also work with parents to run live pilots with teenagers to test interventions including social media bans, overnight curfews, and daily screen time limits in practice, so decisions are grounded in real-world evidence as well as public views.

The public’s views are essential to getting the next steps right. That’s why alongside the formal consultation, the government is launching one of its most wide-ranging national conversations on a public issue in recent years. Over the coming 3 months, families, young people, and communities across the UK will be invited to share their views, including through dedicated children’s and parent’s versions of the consultation. The national conversation will include community events, MP-led local conversations, influencer roundtables, and engagement through schools and civil society organisations. A parallel academic panel will also assess the developing evidence base, drawing on international experiences from countries including Australia.

The consultation sits alongside the government’s wider approach to online safety, including a new campaign and website that provides practical support that parents can use immediately, giving them the confidence they need to have conversations with their children about the content they see online.
March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK beef hits US shelves for the first time – cutting costs for UK businesses [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 March 2026.

First shipment of UK beef under reciprocal quota arrives in the US, as government works in partnership with the food and farming industries to save millions in export fees and grow the UK economy.

UK food and farming take centre stage this week after the first shipment of British beef arrived in the US, alongside the launch of the UK’s first dedicated agri‑food trade mission to Washington DC.

The trade mission will build on a milestone of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, where both countries agreed to implement a reciprocal 13,000 tonne quota for beef. The quota is a major growth opportunity for British farmers, worth up to £70 million a year if fully utilised.

Thanks to the deal, UK beef exporters were given dedicated access to the US market, and the first shipment has now arrived in the US from Northern Ireland’s biggest red meat exporter Foyle Food Group, who employ 1,150 people in the UK. Valued at more than £190,000, the agreement will see nearly £50,000 tariff relief to this landmark shipment alone – easing costs for businesses and supporting growth back home.

The UK’s food and drink exports were worth over £25 billion globally last year, £2 billion of which went to the US, with considerable potential to grow the UK’s global trade.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

The UK produces the finest food and drink, and I’m proud to champion our world-leading farmers, producers and exporters on the global stage.

I am leading the first ever dedicated agri-food trade mission to the US to pursue opportunities to grow our trade with the largest consumer market in the world.

The first agri-trade mission will seize on British food’s reputation for high quality and standards, taking the very best of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector directly to America’s buyers, businesses and decision-makers. In a market of more than 300 million people, the visit will turn international prestige into real commercial opportunity for UK farmers and food producers.

The Environment Secretary will be joined by key UK industry figures on her mission, including representatives from the National Farmers’ Union, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Foyle Food Group, the International Meat Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association.

She will attend the US Annual Meat Conference to support five of the UK’s largest meat exporters and discuss opportunities for growing the US market, flying the flag for UK meat among American buyers.

Reynolds will then host a major Food and Drink Showcase reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, bringing together UK exporters and buyers to sample premium beef alongside other world-class British products such as cheese, seafood, spirits and English sparkling wine.

Delegates from the Scotch Whisky Association will have opportunity to get their products in front of US buyers, championing one of the UK’s most iconic spirits in a market with strong consumer demand.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

For the first time, UK beef farmers have exclusive access to a market of over 300 million people, and that is a direct result of the deal we struck with the US last year.

This isn’t just symbolic — it’s delivering real results. British beef is world-class, and American consumers deserve access to it. I look forward to seeing more of our farmers seize this opportunity and grow their businesses on the international stage.

Michael Acheson, Business Development at Foyle Food Group, said:

Foyle Food Group is delighted that the UK has secured a 13,000 metric tonne quota for British beef in the United States through the new UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal.

This agreement provides tariff-free access to the world’s largest beef market. For Foyle Food Group, it means we can now offer British beef to a wide range of customers across the United States. Securing this dedicated UK quota for the first time also allows us to build longer-term business relationships and provide a more consistent and reliable supply into the US market.

The trade mission also kickstarts the government’s ambition to act on Baroness Batters’ Farming Profitability Review, which identified expanding export opportunities as essential to supporting farm businesses to improve profitability and driving economic growth across every part of the United Kingdom.

As the Environment Secretary outlined during her address to the National Farmers Union Conference on Tuesday 25 February, the government is committed to dedicated trade missions to showcase British food and drink overseas.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:

As one of the commitments made off the back of the Farm Profitability Review, it’s great to see the Secretary of State undertaking this trip in collaboration with industry.

There is a growing demand in the US for a range of UK products, not least British beef but also lamb, dairy and pork. We hope to build on this momentum and champion high quality British produce in new and potential markets.

Emily Norton, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Chair, said:

International trade and access to a broad portfolio of markets are vitally important for our red meat and dairy industry. The appetite for our world-class red meat and dairy produce was underlined last year with record values of UK exports achieved for both sectors.

Central to this success is the importance of connecting with people to help our exports continue to thrive. AHDB’s updated report on prospects for UK agri-food exports in North America has highlighted long-term opportunities for premium red meat and dairy products in the USA and the wider region. We welcome the Secretary of State’s visit and look forward to continuing working with government and industry to help deliver further success for British red meat and dairy exports.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

It is good to be teaming up with the Secretary of State on her trip to Washington DC. We’re proud that Scotch whisky is the UK’s biggest food and drink export, and the United States is our most important market, worth £933 million in 2025. Scotch whisky has deep, longstanding ties with the American whiskey industry – not just through our closely connected supply chain, but in our shared commitment to a premium product that’s loved around the world.

At a time when global trade is evolving and our sector is seeing increased pressure in crucial markets like the US, the Secretary of State’s visit is an important opportunity to build on that historic relationship while championing zero tariff trade which benefits whisky industries, and their supply chain from farmers to barrel makers to the hospitality industry, on both sides of the Atlantic.

March 4, 2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on Iran

The statement made by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 1 March 2026.

Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran.

That remains the case.

Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.

They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying.

This is clearly a dangerous situation.

We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit.

I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.

I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.

Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions.

Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.

The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes.

Their approach is becoming even more reckless – and more dangerous to civilians.

Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate.

Not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement.

One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.

But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region.

That is the situation we face today.

Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it is my duty to protect British lives.

We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes.

But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source – in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles.

The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.

We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.

The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives.

That is in accordance with international law. And we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.

We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.

And we will also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.

I want to be very clear: we all remember the mistakes of Iraq.

And we have learned those lessons.

We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy – so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region.

Because that is our duty to the British people.

It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.

March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Joint E3 Leaders’ Statement on Iran [March 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

Joint E3 Leaders’ Statement on Iran.

E3 leaders are appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations. Iran’s reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region.

We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.

We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.

March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Summary of the UK Government legal position – The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks [March 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks.

The UK condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless and ongoing indiscriminate attacks against countries in the region. Such actions demand a united response to restore peace and security and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

As well as defending itself and its position in the region, the UK is acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support. The UK and its allies are permitted under international law to use or support force in such circumstances where acting in self-defence is the only feasible means to deal with an ongoing armed attack and where the force used is necessary and proportionate.

Accordingly, the UK has military assets flying in the region to intercept drones or missiles targeting countries not previously involved in the conflict. In addition, the UK has responded to a US request which will facilitate specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies.

The UK’s actions and related support to its allies is solely focussed on ending the threat of air and missile attacks against regional allies unlawfully attacked by Iran and who have not been involved in hostilities from the outset. It does not signal the UK having any wider involvement in the broader ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

The UK remains of the view that a negotiated solution should be supported, and that further escalation into a wider regional conflict should be avoided.

The Government will notify the United Nations Security Council of relevant actions taken under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Sultan of Oman [March 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, this afternoon.

He expressed the UK’s support of Oman in the face of Iran’s widespread and uncontrolled retaliation. They shared their concern about the safety of civilians and the rising number of injured people as a result of the strikes.

He reiterated that the UK has had planes in the sky since yesterday as part of the coordinated defensive response to protect our partners in the region, and would continue to offer our support.

March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Christodoulides of Cyprus [March 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, earlier today.

They discussed the deeply concerning impact of Iran’s indiscriminate strike action in the region, which has hit airports, ports and infrastructure – harming innocent people as a result.

The Prime Minister underscored his full support for the security of Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas.

March 2, 2026