Britain tasks navy with accompanying British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz

British government spokesperson said freedom of navigation is important for global trade. (File/AFP)

• A British government spokesperson said the Royal Navy was tasked to accompany British ships in Hormuz
• The process is to guarantee freedom of navigation in the area

LONDON: Britain’s navy will accompany British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in order to defend freedom of navigation after Iran seized a tanker, its ministry of defense said on Thursday.
“The Royal Navy has been tasked to accompany British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, either individually or in groups, should sufficient notice be given of their passage,” a British government spokesman said in a statement.
“Freedom of navigation is crucial for the global trading system and world economy, and we will do all we can to defend it.”