"No. 10 was determined to downplay any risk or perception of us getting involved, and now the government is playing catch-up. And that means we are showing up late. These tensions have arisen after more than two weeks of escalating violence, following Iran's launch of drone and missile attacks on neighbouring states in retaliation for airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel."
"This criticism follows scrutiny of the delayed deployment of HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean after a drone strike targeted a British base in Cyprus. The warship set sail more than a week after the incident and has yet to arrive in the region. According to the former commander, concerns within the government about domestic criticism of Britain's involvement in the conflict influenced discussions about the extent of support the UK should provide to Gulf allies."
"Before the outbreak of war, Britain had bolstered its regional military presence by deploying fighter jets and air defence systems, which have since been used to shoot down several drones. However, the Royal Navy also withdrew its last permanently stationed vessel from the Gulf, ordering it home from Bahrain. This marked the first time in 46 years that the UK had no naval ships stationed in the Middle East."
Britain has faced criticism from Gulf allies for responding slowly to the escalating Middle East conflict. Defence sources indicate the government adopted an overly cautious approach, influenced by concerns about domestic opposition to military involvement. This delayed response includes the late deployment of HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean following a drone strike on a British base in Cyprus. The warship departed more than a week after the incident. Additionally, Britain withdrew its last permanently stationed naval vessel from the Gulf, ending 46 years of continuous naval presence in the region. Despite earlier deployments of fighter jets and air defence systems that successfully intercepted drones, the overall military posture has been perceived as hesitant by regional partners.
#british-military-response #middle-east-conflict #gulf-allies-relations #naval-deployment #government-caution
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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