Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the “sparks” of conflict in the Middle East are “touching light in our own communities here at home”, as he called out the “despicable hatred” seen against Jews and Muslims since October 7.
Writing in the Sunday Times, ahead of the first anniversary of the Hamas attack in Israel, Sir Keir called on all parties involved in the conflict to “act with restraint and return to political, not military, solutions”.
He wrote in the newspaper: “The flames of this deadly conflict now threaten to consume the region. And the sparks are lighting headlines in our own communities here at home.”
He added: “There are always people who would use conflict abroad to fuel conflict here. Since October 7, we have seen the vile hatred against Jews and Muslims increase in our communities.”
Earlier this week, Sir Keir expressed concern that the “region is on the brink” following the Iranian missile attack on Israel.
Sir Keir said that a “direct conflict between Iran and Israel would have devastating consequences for people in the Middle East and around the world.
“All parties must do everything in their power to step back from the brink and prevent this,” he said.
He later added: “The anniversary of the October 7 attacks should remind us of the costs of political failure.
“No certainty will be found in greater destabilization. A better future cannot be achieved by traumatizing, orphaning and expelling a new generation.”
On Saturday evening, the Associated Press news agency reported that Israel has increased its bombing of Lebanon, hitting the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Amid the escalating violence, the last currently scheduled charter flight for Britons wanting to flee Lebanon is due to depart on Sunday.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has said that more than 250 people have been able to depart so far on the three charter flights that have already left Beirut.
There are no more scheduled charter flights, the FCDO said, due to declining demand, but this will be monitored.
Announcing Sunday's flight, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am pleased that we have helped the many people who heeded our advice to leave the country immediately.
“With demand declining and the security situation deteriorating, there is no guarantee that other options for exit will become available soon. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now. “
