Voice of People London Desk, 1 March:

The UK government is preparing large-scale plans to safely evacuate its citizens from the Middle East amid rising tensions and ongoing military conflict. Officials estimate that at least 200,000 British nationals may be in the region, many of whom are either on holiday or in transit.

Authorities have urged those in the area to register their presence. By Sunday, nearly 94,000 people had reported their locations, enabling the government to assess risks and coordinate necessary support. The majority of citizens are currently in the United Arab Emirates, where tourists and travellers in transit make up a significant portion of the population.

The UK government is exploring several evacuation options. With airspace restrictions limiting direct flights, authorities are also considering land and sea routes. One potential plan involves relocating citizens to a safe area within the Gulf, from where they could take international flights back to the UK.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised that the UK will not engage in direct military action and is committed to adhering to international law. Nevertheless, the Royal Air Force has already managed a few high-risk incidents, highlighting the continued instability in the region.

Officials warn that the situation could escalate further, and all necessary preparations are being made to ensure the safe extraction of both military personnel and civilians.