Government statement on situation in the Gulf
22 July 2019 (updated on 22 July 2019)
Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, made a statement in the Commons, updating MPs on the situation in the Gulf.
The Government statement follows the latest escalation in the region after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized the British oil tanker, Stena Impero, in the shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has claimed the tanker was "violating international maritime rules".
Addressing Members, the Foreign Secretary said:
"Let us be absolutely clear, under international law Iran had no right to obstruct the [Stena Impero's] passage, let alone board her. It was an act of state piracy which the House will have no hesitation in condemning."
Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Shadow Defence Minister Fabian Hamilton replied:
"Iran's actions in recent week in the Strait of Hormuz have been utterly unacceptable and should be condemned from all sides."
- Watch Parliament TV: statement on situation in the Gulf
- Read Commons Hansard: statement on situation in the Gulf
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