Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to the Middle East on Wednesday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts by the government to ease tensions in the region.

Lammy met the kings of Jordan and Bahrain along with other officials as part of his visit to both countries.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s concern over the risk of escalation in the region, repeating the government’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as reaffirming the importance of working with allies to counter Iran’s influence in the Middle East.

In a video posted to social media on Thursday morning, Lammy said the government was “making every diplomatic effort for de-escalation in the Middle East”.

While in Bahrain, he met wBritish armed forces personnel, including those on HMS Lancaster, which is deployed to the region and has a played a key role in patrolling the waters to detect and deter Houthi activity in the Red Sea.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Royal Navy personnel on HMS Lancaster in Bahrain. Credit: David Lammy/Twitter.

Tensions in the Middle East were also addressed in Parliament yesterday by Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions. He told MPs: “Earlier this week, the House marked the first anniversary of the horrific attacks on October 7, and I take this opportunity to reiterate that the hostages must be released. I also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.”

On Monday, the anniversary of Hamas’s atrocities, the Labour Party leader and leader of the opposition Rishi Sunak both called for the release of hostages and singled out Iran’s malign influence across the Middle East.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy spent the morning of the anniversary with the Jewish community in his Tottenham constituency. He faced “robust” questions from those present, including about the government’s critical approach to Israel.

Lammy told those present that the government was doing “everything” they could to secure the release of hostages, including 28-year-old British-born Emily Damari.