Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strait of Hormuz

Tuesday 16 June 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK has been leading diplomatic efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and international maritime law in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The UK supports international efforts to end the conflict, including mine clearance and establishing defensive maritime missions in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Discussions are underway with Gulf countries to develop new infrastructure for alternative supply routes to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the closure of the strait of Hormuz, which has impacted global economy and fuel prices. There is a memorandum of understanding between US and Iran to address this issue.

Question

What diplomatic steps are being taken by the Department to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

The UK has been leading diplomatic work across the world to maintain the consensus behind the principle of freedom of navigation and international maritime law without tolls, restrictions or threat of attack. The closure of the Strait has hit the global economy and prices at home.

Answered
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Q2 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Economy Foreign Affairs Energy
Context

The supplementary question discusses the implications of the US-Iran agreement, suggesting that a rush into war would have prolonged conflict and caused financial hardship.

Question

While awaiting full details of the US-Iran agreement, does the Secretary agree that rushing into war as suggested by some Opposition Members would only prolong conflict and cause more financial misery? Is it not the case that such cheerleading for US aggression has stopped boats carrying oil bound for Britain?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We took a different view from the US and Israel at the start of this conflict and supported further negotiations. We are working internationally to bring the situation to an end, supporting mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz and establishing defensive multilateral maritime missions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether support for US action prevents trade

How: Working Internationally

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Q3 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Foreign Affairs Energy
Context

The question addresses the threat posed by Iran and asks about alternative supply lines for oil, gas, and fertiliser.

Question

Iran can close the strait at will and may do so in future. What actions are being taken with international partners to engineer alternative routes that allow oil, gas, and fertiliser to exit the Gulf overland?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We are keen to work with Gulf countries developing new infrastructure for different kinds of supply lines. We have been involved in discussions on this and need to ensure the strait remains open under international law, without restrictions or tolls.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans and actions taken with partners

How: We Are Keen

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Q4 Calum Miller Lib Dem Bicester and Woodstock
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question discusses the US-Iran agreement terms that seem favourable for Iran, leading to questions about UK plans to contain Iran's influence.

Question

With the US-Iran deal seen as a win for Iran and showing impact of closing Strait of Hormuz, what are UK's plans to work with reliable allies to contain Iran's malign influence? Will Ministers back Liberal Democrat amendment on proscribing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We are taking action to strengthen legislation on state-backed threats, have strongly championed it. We ensure any attempt to restrict or put tolls on Strait of Hormuz is never agreed to, ensuring international shipping can move freely through an international waterway.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Backing the Liberal Democrat amendment

How: We Are Taking Action

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