UK nationals fleeing Middle East reach 100,000 as evacuation efforts continue

UK nationals fleeing Middle East reach 100,000 as evacuation efforts continue Foreign secretary says one third of those who were in region have left as MPs press for support for those still stranded Middle East crisis – live updated UK security adviser attended US-Iran talks and judged deal was within reach The number of UK nationals flown back from the Middle East since the start of the conflict with Iran reached 100,000 on Tuesday, Britain’s foreign secretary has said. Yvette Cooper told parliament this is a third of the 300,000 who were in the region at the outset of hostilities, many of whom were stuck when airspace was closed . The figure included tourists and Gulf residents who have temporarily left. Fellow MPs urged Cooper to help many British citizens who were still stuck in the region and those who were said to be struggling to get extensions for visas in the countries where they had gone on holiday before the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Cooper also provided an update on Britain’s part in discussions that could see an international coalition involved in opening the strait of Hormuz, adding that this was “separate from the conflict”. “The focus at the moment is what the practical measure might be to ensure shipping can be restored as the conflict subsides and so Iran cannot continue with the long-term ability to hold hostage the global economy,” she said. Britain was in talks with European allies including Germany, Italy and France, as well as with the US and Gulf states. “Because it is an international shipping lane, multiple nations need to be involved in planning the way forward. And our discussions will continue to reflect serious, expert military and commercial assessments about what is credible and feasible so that commercial shipping can return as soon as possible as the conflict subsides.” The Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel , pressed Cooper on what specific commitments Britain had made to Gulf states about helping them protect...