John Healey

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 19 March 2026.

The safety of British people is my top priority. An update on what we’re doing to protect our citizens, support our Armed Forces and defend our interests in the Middle East 👇

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 18 March 2026.

Important discussions with E5 Defence Ministers today on the Strait of Hormuz and developments in the Middle East. We are working with allies to reinforce regional security and protect British interests.

In a trilateral format with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @Keir_Starmer and @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte, we discussed joint weapons production and coordination in this direction to strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe. It is important to continue strengthening our air defense and ensuring it has a sufficient number of missiles for air defense systems. In particular, the decisions adopted during the Ramstein-format meeting must be implemented as soon as possible, and the PURL initiative must be replenished with additional contributions. I thank Keir and Mark for their efforts to support Ukraine and to maintain focus on Ukraine and the swiftest possible achievement of a dignified peace.

As we step up our defence partnership with Ukraine, the UK remains determined: we will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. A privilege, as ever, to have you with us today @ZelenskyyUa.

In the last month alone, the UK has delivered to Ukraine: ✅ 3,500 drones ✅ 18,000 artillery rounds ✅ 3 million rounds of small ammunition With conflicts on two continents, the UK's commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast. 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇦 @johnhealey_mp's full statement 👇

Good to meet with @NikosDendias in London this morning to discuss shared security issues including support to Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. Greece is an important @NATO ally and together we’re working to reinforce deterrence and defence in Europe and beyond.

Our Armed Forces are working day and night in the Middle East to protect our people, our allies and our national interests.

My deepest condolences go out to families and loved ones of the US crew members who died in the tragic plane crash in Iraq - and all US personnel killed in the conflict in recent weeks.

A chance to say thank you to our British personnel at our Permanent Joint Headquarters, the nerve centre of UK Defence. Teams at PJHQ are working round the clock, to coordinate our operations in the Middle East and across the globe.

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 13 March 2026.

Deeply saddened by the death of a French soldier and the wounding of French personnel in Iraq. My sincere condolences to the family, their comrades, and to our French allies. These incidents remind us of the dangers our forces face to keep us safe.

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 12 March 2026.

Every shift is different. Every shift matters. Our UK Permanent Joint Headquarters is running round the clock during the Middle East crisis. Today, Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP visited to thank the staff keeping 30 operations running worldwide.

Britain has the best service personnel in the world. I thank all of those in our Armed Forces for keeping British people, and our allies, safe.

I have only praise for our Royal Navy personnel and civilian teams who worked flat out to prepare HMS Dragon for deployment. What is normally six weeks of work was completed in just six days - a remarkable effort delivered round the clock. The very best of Britain in action.

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 10 March 2026.

For protecting British lives, for keeping us safe. You are the best of Britain in action. Our Armed Forces are working round the clock to protect British lives, defend our interests and support our allies in the Middle East.

Our UK Armed Forces are conducting vital defensive missions across the Middle East to protect British lives, British interests and our allies. Here’s my operational update 👇🏻