Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly being excluded from crucial planning for a Royal Navy mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz, according to defense sources. The operation is anticipated to commence during Burnham's initial days as Prime Minister, a period that could be complicated by his lack of direct involvement in the preparatory stages.
Sir Keir Starmer is finalizing the details of the mission, which aims to clear Iranian mines from the strategic waterway. The operation is intended to facilitate the resumption of oil and gas exports. While the mission is seen as a potential legacy-defining initiative for Starmer, defense officials have expressed concerns that Burnham's transition team was not adequately briefed.
Sources indicate that Ministry of Defence officials advised Downing Street that Burnham's team should be integrated into the planning process to prevent him from inheriting an active military situation. However, the response reportedly was that the situation was "under control."
The Royal Navy's ability to lead a joint-and-equal operation with France may be hampered by a shortage of naval assets in the region. The UK's Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and support ship RFA Lyme Bay are in the Gulf of Oman, and are expected to join France's Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group. However, due to a lack of deployable submarines, frigates, and fighter aircraft in the area, command may fall under French leadership.
A specialist Royal Navy mine-clearing team aboard RFA Lyme Bay, equipped with remotely controlled systems, is available for the operation. However, Navy chiefs have noted insufficient vessel numbers for a dedicated UK taskforce.
British military strategists are reportedly simulating various scenarios, including potential responses to Iranian attacks on British assets during the de-mining operation. Up to 80 mines are believed to have been laid by Iran in the Strait during its conflict with the United States.
Sources close to Downing Street have suggested that UK mine-clearing operations are not imminent, with the current focus on diplomatic efforts. Burnham is set to formally succeed Starmer on July 20, the same week penciled in for the commencement of the mine-clearing operations. Representatives for Burnham were approached for comment.