PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is walking an increasingly delicate diplomatic tightrope as tensions in the Middle East threaten to spill into a broader international conflict.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Mar 16), Starmer repeatedly declined to be drawn into speculation about military escalation, stressing that any potential effort to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz would not be a NATO operation but rather “an alliance of partners”.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with around a fifth of global oil supplies passing through it.

Recent tensions in the region have raised fears that disruption there could trigger a major international crisis.

But Starmer’s message was clear: Britain will support efforts to keep trade routes open while avoiding being pulled into a full-scale conflict.

When asked directly about comments made by former US President Donald Trump suggesting NATO allies should help reopen the strait, Starmer refused to engage in the escalating rhetoric.

Instead, he emphasised diplomacy and cooperation.

“It’s not straightforward,” the Prime Minister said, adding that discussions with international partners were ongoing.

Observers noted that Starmer also avoided responding to speculation about potential military commitments, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to prevent Britain being boxed into a position before negotiations with allies are complete.

Relations with Washington

Starmer was also pressed by journalists about his relationship with Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of some NATO allies.

Asked to rate their relationship on a scale of one to ten, the Prime Minister said simply that it was “a good relationship”.

“We’re strong allies and have been for decades,” he said, adding that his responsibility was always to act “in the best interests of Britain”.

Despite the diplomatic language, the exchange underlined the growing pressure facing the UK government as global tensions rise.

The United States has been urging partners to support efforts to secure key shipping routes, while some European leaders remain cautious about the risks of escalation.

Energy and economic stakes

The stakes are not purely military.

Any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have immediate consequences for global energy markets, pushing up fuel costs and inflation.

That prospect is already weighing heavily on governments across Europe.

At the same press conference, Starmer announced new financial support for households struggling with rising heating costs and outlined plans to strengthen regulation of the heating oil market.

The move was widely seen as preparation for potential energy price shocks linked to instability in the Middle East.

A careful balancing act

For Starmer, the challenge now is balancing Britain’s commitments to international allies with a public that remains wary of overseas military entanglements after conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So far, the Prime Minister appears determined to keep the UK involved diplomatically while resisting pressure to escalate militarily.

Whether that position can hold if tensions in the region worsen remains the key question facing Downing Street.

For now, Starmer’s strategy is clear: support allies, protect global trade routes — but avoid sliding into a wider war.

THE FIRST phase of a major redevelopment programme at Portfield School in Haverfordwest has been completed, marking a significant step forward in specialist education provision in Pembrokeshire.

The project has been jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, which aims to deliver modern, high-quality learning environments for pupils across Wales.

Developed in partnership with construction firm Morgan Sindall, the scheme has focused on accessibility, sustainability and the creation of spaces tailored to a wide range of learning and therapeutic needs.

Portfield School supports children and young people aged three to nineteen with additional learning needs. The new facilities provide modern, flexible and inclusive spaces designed to support pupils’ development while helping meet growing demand for specialist education provision in the county.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said the new accommodation represented an important step forward for the school community.

She said: “We are delighted with the new provision for our pupils at Portfield School. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring every pupil has access to an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment where they can thrive.

“As Headteacher I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils have transitioned into the new site and adapted so quickly to their new learning environment. I am very excited to be working alongside a dedicated team of staff who share the same passion for inclusive education. Together we will build a school community where every young person can flourish.”

The new building includes specialist facilities such as sensory rooms and improved outdoor areas designed to promote physical activity, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said the development would help support learners with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

She said: “All learners deserve environments that nurture, challenge and support them. I am pleased to support learners with additional learning needs in Pembrokeshire through our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. The specialist spaces will help us meet a wide range of needs and ensure every learner feels valued and able to thrive.”

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey, described the completion of the first phase as an important moment for the school and the wider community.

He said: “This is an exciting moment for the school, the families we support, and the wider community. The new facilities will provide pupils with the high-quality, nurturing environment they deserve, and the first phase brings us closer to delivering the full vision for this exceptional school.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said the company was proud to help deliver the project.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to hand over the new Portfield School SEN facilities. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our Morgan Sindall team, and it has been fantastic to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to bring the project to life.

“The new facilities will make a lasting difference, providing children with a high-quality learning environment that offers the support pupils need to thrive and be inspired.”

Work on the next stage of the redevelopment has already begun. This will include refurbishment of the former Tasker Milward H Block for post-16 pupils, demolition of the existing primary school building, reinstatement works, the construction of a new respite care unit, and refurbishment of Holly House.

The overall scheme represents a long-term investment in specialist education and aims to ensure that children with additional learning needs across Pembrokeshire have access to the support and facilities they require.

LOW-INCOME households across Wales are set to benefit from £3.8 million in support as part of a UK Government package aimed at helping families struggling with rising heating oil prices.

The funding forms part of a £50 million UK-wide support scheme announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, targeting rural households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes.

Heating oil prices have surged in recent months, with the cost of kerosene — the fuel used in most domestic oil tanks — rising sharply due to instability in the Middle East. Government figures indicate the price of kerosene has been particularly volatile and has increased faster than many other fuels.

Unlike gas and electricity customers, households using heating oil are not protected by Ofgem’s energy price cap, leaving them more exposed to sudden price increases.

Many families must also pay large upfront sums to refill their oil tanks, creating additional financial pressure during periods of rising costs.

The UK Government said the new funding is designed to support low-income households in rural areas, where alternatives such as mains gas are often unavailable.

Funding allocations were calculated using census data to identify areas with the greatest reliance on heating oil. In Wales, the £3.8 million allocation will be distributed by the Welsh Government, with the expectation that it will be used to support vulnerable households.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I know that for families in rural communities the sharp rise in heating oil prices is a real and urgent problem.

“That’s why we’re providing more than £50 million of targeted support to help the people who need it most.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “Wales has a high number of households who rely on heating oil and are feeling the pressure of rising bills.

“I know how worrying that is for families, which is why we are working with the Welsh Government to provide an extra £3.8 million to support the people who need it most.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the government was determined to tackle cost-of-living pressures.

He said:
“This government is committed to fighting people’s corner in tackling cost-of-living pressures. With this investment, alongside new measures to protect customers against unfair practices, we are standing up for the British people.”

Alongside the financial support package, ministers have announced plans to strengthen consumer protections in the heating oil market, which is currently not regulated by Ofgem.

Proposed measures include improvements to price transparency, dispute resolution, and support for vulnerable customers, as well as the creation of a Priority Customers Register to ensure those most in need receive help during supply disruptions.

The government is also considering introducing a dedicated regulator or ombudsman for the heating oil sector and has asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to closely monitor pricing in the market.

The CMA is already examining reports of cancelled orders followed by higher quotes and price increases for automatic deliveries. It has announced plans to conduct a detailed investigation into the UK heating oil market.

Households facing immediate financial difficulties due to rising heating oil prices are being advised to contact their local authority to find out what support may be available.