Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised British military personnel at RAF Akrotiri during a visit to Cyprus on Tuesday.
In an address before hundreds of service members, with an RAF Typhoon and Atlas A400M as backdrop, Starmer emphasised the critical role of British Forces Cyprus (BFC) during what he described as a “volatile” period in the region.
“You do it year in, year out, wherever you are. But this year, I think, particularly from this base, has been extraordinarily busy because the challenges, have been intense.
“And we’ve asked you over and over again to step up, whether that’s Operation Shader, which of course has been ongoing for some time, whether that’s the work that you do dropping stuff in Gaza, a much needed, difficult work”.
The Prime Minister specifically acknowledged the base’s evacuation work, noting the complex planning involved. “When I was making decisions about what we would do, when we would do it with my senior team in Downing Street, I knew that you would step up,” he told personnel.
Starmer also recognised the sensitive nature of some operations at the base, stating that while they couldn’t always publicly discuss all activities, “the whole world is relying on you, and everybody back at home is relying on you.”
Addressing the upcoming holiday season, he acknowledged the challenges faced by personnel serving away from home during Christmas and expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation.
The visit marked the first bilateral trip to Cyprus by a British prime minister in 53 years.
(Pictures and information by British Bases Cyprus)
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