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The UK government is calling for Lebanon to be included in the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement, as divisions deepen between the UK and US over how to implement the truce. UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire that covers Lebanon, following Israel's intensified bombing campaign in the country, which has resulted in at least 254 people killed. Healey warned that imposing tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as suggested by US President Donald Trump, would set a dangerous precedent for international shipping. The UK is advocating for the strait to remain open and free, consistent with international navigation laws. Cooper is expected to stress that Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire and that there must be no return to conflict. The UK's stance has been communicated to both the US and Israel. The escalation in Lebanon has prompted Iran to halt the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a rise in global fuel and fertilizer prices. The UK is working to support the reopening of the strait, which is a critical artery for the global economy. Cooper will emphasize that freedom of navigation is crucial for global trade and that no country can close these routes without violating the law of the sea.

The UK defence industry is in a state of crisis as a long-delayed military spending plan has left firms 'bleeding cash' and in 'paralysis'. The six-month delay to the defence investment plan (DIP) has resulted in some companies going bust, while others are struggling to stay afloat.Industry groups have warned that the delay has left the UK behind Germany and the US in attracting investment from global investors. The DIP, originally expected last autumn, has been repeatedly postponed amid warnings that the military faces a £28bn funding gap over the next four years.Samira Braund, the defence director of the ADS Group trade body, described the situation as 'paralysis', stating that the government has not put effective mitigation plans in place. The boss of BAE Systems, Europe's biggest defence contractor, has urged ministers to publish the plan, while some smaller firms have been forced out of business.One such company was MTE Heat Treatment, a Yorkshire-based manufacturer with just over 30 employees that helped make turbine blades for jet engines. It fell into administration in February. Andrew Kinniburgh, the head of the trade body Make UK's defence arm, warned that the delay risks deterring investment in the UK at a time when the US and Europe are also raising military spending.The DIP will show how the government plans to fund its strategic defence review, the blueprint for transforming the military amid growing threats from Russia, rising commitments to Nato and against the backdrop of the US-Israel war on Iran. Ministers accepted all the review's recommendations when it was published last June, but the head of the military, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, told MPs in January that defence cuts would be needed without more funding.

The world is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of global instability and insecurity, with multiple conflicts erupting in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon. In response, the UK has increased its defence spending at the fastest pace since the end of the Cold War. This increase is being funded partly through a reduction in overseas aid spending over the next three years, a decision also made by several allied countries. Despite this, the Labour government emphasizes that its commitment to international development remains strong, viewing it as a fundamental part of its moral purpose and national interest. The reduction in aid does not signify a withdrawal from global responsibilities, but rather a strategic shift in prioritizing spending. The government plans to focus on areas with the greatest needs, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries such as Sudan, Palestine, Ukraine, and now Lebanon. Support for these regions is crucial for preventing humanitarian crises and promoting global stability. The new approach to development will prioritize: Innovative development strategies that deliver more impactful results Partnerships over paternalism, working closely with countries to build their own capacities Conflict prevention and resolution, particularly through education in conflict zones Climate and nature action to mitigate the effects of extreme weather Unlocking new sources of finance to drive growth and economic development The UK aims to lead reforms in international development, modernizing multilateral institutions and increasing investment in critical areas such as women's health and the BBC World Service. The government asserts that its values have not changed, and it remains committed to justice and global stability, even in the face of new security challenges.