Strait of Hormuz: Merchant Shipping

Earl of Courtown Excerpts

Monday 20th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

I agree. The point we continue to make to our friends and allies in the region, and to the Americans, is that, in the end, dialogue, discussion and an agreement acceptable to all are what we all need to work towards. My noble friend is right to point that out, and we will continue to do all we can to bring that about.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, it has been reported that the new Prime Minister supports increasing foreign aid spending back up to 0.7% of GDP. The Government have previously confirmed that all the money saved from cutting aid spending has been allocated to the Ministry of Defence. If the United Kingdom wishes to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz in a meaningful way then our Armed Forces must, as all noble Lords have said, receive the necessary funds and assets. Can the Minister confirm that, if foreign aid spending is increased, the money will not be taken from the defence budget?

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

I can confirm that it has been government policy for a considerable period to restore aid, as and when the conditions allow, to 0.7%. There is nothing new in that. I heard what the Prime Minister said about his commitment to defence in his speech, so we will see what happens. As I say, it is government policy, as it stands, to restore aid to 0.7% and the Prime Minister made clear his commitment to defence in the remarks he made outside Downing Street. I think that is the answer for the noble Lord.