Starmer tells Britons in Lebanon UK troops sent to Cyprus in 02 October 2024
The prime minister has told Britons in Lebanon to "leave immediately" as around 700 UK troops are deployed to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation is needed.
Sir Keir Starmer said "we are ramping up the contingency plans... in light of the escalation", with fears growing of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
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Why Is Everyone excited about this $59 New Blood Sugar Smartwatch?TrackPro 2.0"It is important that we be really, really clear: now is the time to leave," the PM said.
Defence Secretary John Healey - who chaired a meeting of the UK's emergency COBRA committee earlier - also urged all Britons to leave Lebanon "now".
Two British warships are already in the region and would be used if any evacuation operation is ordered. Royal Air Force planes and helicopters are also on standby.
A major UK military base in Cyprus - RAF Akrotiri - would be an important staging post.
