British Nationals Urged to Leave Lebanon, UK Ships and Helicopters on Standby
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed concerns that the situation in the region could deteriorate rapidly amid escalating tensions between Israel and its neighbors.
Over the weekend, two Royal Navy ships and several Royal Air Force helicopters were put on standby in the eastern Mediterranean as the UK government advises British nationals in Lebanon to “leave now.”
The British Ministry of Defence confirmed the presence of the Type 45 air-defence destroyer HMS Duncan and the RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship, in the region.
Military personnel and consular experts have been dispatched to the Middle East to assist British nationals in embassies.
Lammy stated, “Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working tirelessly to strengthen our consular services in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear—leave now.”
“A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest—the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to urge for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution,” added Lammy.
Related Stories
The Government is making preparations for “a range of possible conflict scenarios,” as stated by the Foreign Office.
Reports on Monday indicated a Hezbollah drone attack on Israel, allegedly causing injuries to two Israeli troops in the northern part of the country.
Israel’s military reported efforts to extinguish a fire caused by the attack in Ayelet HaShahar in the upper Galilee.
Defence Secretary John Healey affirmed, “Our armed forces are ready to assist British citizens globally and reinforce regional stability with their professionalism and courage.”
“We emphasize to leaders in the Middle East that de-escalation must be the top priority in the region, urging everyone to reduce tensions. The focus should be on ending the conflict, initiating an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, releasing all hostages, and pursuing a diplomatic path to peace and security,” Healey added.
The appeal comes after visits by Healey and Lammy to Qatar and Lebanon, where they called for a ceasefire, hostage release, and increased aid to Palestine.
The ministers’ trip follows the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in an air strike on Tehran, attributed to Israel.
Tensions also arose on Israel’s border with Lebanon after a Hezbollah rocket attack in the Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers.
This was followed by an Israeli air strike in a suburb of Beirut targeting Fuad Shukr, the Hezbollah commander.
Other Nations Issue Same Advice
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson expressed deep concern over the volatile security situation in Lebanon, prioritizing the safety of British nationals. Additional consular officials, Border Force, and UK military personnel have been deployed to the region.
The families of officials at the British embassy in Beirut have been temporarily relocated, while the embassy continues to assist British nationals. The situation is under close monitoring, and all British nationals are advised to depart Lebanon while commercial routes are available.
“We advise US citizens who opt to stay in Lebanon to prepare for emergencies and be ready to shelter in place for an extended period,” according to a statement from the embassy.
Similar advice has been issued by France, Sweden, and Canada to their citizens, with many major airlines suspending flights to Lebanon and Israel.
PA Media contributed to this report.
