UK rescue ship begins evacuation drills for 173,000 stranded Brits | UK | News
Britain is preparing to evacuate tens of thousands of citizens from the Middle East after its primary rescue ship reportedly left Gibraltar for training exercises, with commanders keeping the ship ready for rapid deployment in case the Iran war escalates.
RFA Lyme Bay, a 579ft Royal Fleet Auxiliary dock landing ship, has been identified as a potential lifeline for 173,000 UK citizens across the region who register their whereabouts with the Foreign Office, according to government reports. The ship, which was loaded with medical supplies during its stay in Gibraltar last week, is also equipped to serve as a hospital ship.
The Express understands the Ministry of Defense has stated that the role of Lyme Bay is separate from any efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in which the UK has so far stayed away from direct involvement.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman was quoted as saying: “RFA Lyme Bay is en route to conduct training and exercises. As part of cautious planning, it remains highly prepared as a precautionary measure should it be required to assist with maritime missions in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The dragon shows the way
If Lyme Bay is called forward, it will operate alongside HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer currently based in the Eastern Mediterranean to protect RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus from enemy fire, according to the Sun. Ministers are also said to be exploring whether interceptor drones could be sent to further strengthen the base’s defences.
British fast jets maintained their presence in the region throughout the night, covering multiple allied countries.
The Ministry of Defense said: “Typhoon and F-35 jets, supported by Voyager air-to-air refueling, flew sorties to defend British interests and allies in Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, Jordan and Bahrain.”
Trump threatens the future of NATO
The Express reported on Sunday that Britain risks losing its position as Washington’s leading partner. Donald Trump He warned that NATO could be finished and cast doubt on whether Britain deserved the status of America’s “number one ally”.
Speaking to reporters, Trump pressured European countries to send military forces against what he described as “bad actors” along Iran’s coastline and open the way to the Strait of Hormuz; He argued that responsibility fell squarely on China, whose dependence on European and Gulf oil far exceeds that of the United States.
“If there is no response or a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” he said.
Ukraine was next in Trump’s spotlight, and the President made clear that American support was now a debt that had to be repaid.
“We did not need to help them with Ukraine. Ukraine is thousands of kilometers away from us… But we helped them. Now we will see if they will help us,” he said.
