Amanda Martin MP and Stephen Morgan MP have issued a joint statement regarding the deployment of HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters from Portsmouth to the Eastern Mediterranean.
“We are living in a volatile world, and that requires us to act with clarity, moral purpose, and a cool head,” the MPs said. “We will always defend our national interests, but it is not in our interest to become involved in an offensive war in the Middle East. It is, however, our duty to protect British lives.”
The MPs welcomed the UK Government’s decision to deploy HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences, detect, track, and destroy aerial threats including drones, and to allow the US to use British bases to destroy missiles at source. Both measures are defensive and limited in scope, intended solely to protect British citizens in the region.
“The situation over the weekend changed dramatically,” the MPs continued. “Iran’s indiscriminate attacks across the region pose a direct threat to hundreds of thousands of British nationals. It was right not to join offensive action, and it remains right that we will not do so. At the same time, we must ensure our forces and our people abroad are safe.”
British nationals in the region remain the Government’s top priority. Steps being taken include:
- A government charter flight out of Muscat in the coming days, prioritising vulnerable individuals, with additional airline support to increase capacity.
- Evacuating family members at RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation.
- Encouraging all British nationals in the region to register their presence with the FCDO to receive updates and guidance. Over 130,000 have already registered, and the FCDO has handled 2,700 calls, with more than half from the UAE.
“The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and the protection of British military personnel based there,” the MPs said. “These defensive operations, including the deployment of HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters, ensure the safety of our personnel and citizens while maintaining our commitment to a calm and measured response. We know many Portsmouth families have loved ones in the Navy, including our own families, and we can assure you that our Armed Forces are always ready to protect our country and its citizens.”
Amanda Martin MP and Stephen Morgan MP concluded: “We continue to monitor the situation closely and urge all British nationals in the region to follow FCDO guidance. Portsmouth can be proud of the professionalism and bravery of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, and we support them fully in carrying out this vital defensive mission.”
