Keir Starmer sends UK Foreign, Defence secretaries to Lebanon in de-escalation push

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey arrived in Lebanon on Thursday as part of a diplomatic mission to address rising tensions in the Middle East. The visit follows an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs targeting senior Hezbollah figure Fuad Shukr and Israel's assassination in Tehran of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Lammy and Healey met with key Lebanese officials, including Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, Hezbollah-allied Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati. 

The British ministers expressed concern over the potential for regional conflict and urged all parties to exercise restraint, emphasising that peaceful and diplomatic solutions are essential. Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon's position against war, highlighting intensified diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel into halting hostilities in Gaza and complying with Resolution 1701. He warned of broader implications if the conflict escalates, asserting Lebanon's right to defend its sovereignty if attacked.

Speaker Nabih Berri also stressed Lebanon's preference for peace while expressing readiness to defend the country. He criticised recent Israeli actions, including the rejection of diplomatic proposals and continued violations of engagement rules, warning that these could lead to further regional instability.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati appreciated the British ministers' support, noting recent discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Mikati condemned Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and called for a political solution through adherence to international resolutions, urging the UK and the international community to pressure Israel to cease its aggression.

Foreign Secretary Lammy and Defence Secretary Healey reiterated the UK's support for de-escalation efforts and the full implementation of Resolution 1701. They emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and avoid severe consequences.

On Wednesday, Lammy and Healey arrived in Qatar to further efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and promote regional de-escalation, according to a Foreign Office statement.

The UK under the new Labour government has shifted the country's position closer to supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and adopted a more critical line towards Israel's conduct, but has yet to decide on demands to halt UK arms exports to Israel.