London, April 10 (NationPress) UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized on Friday the importance of unrestricted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it should be fully reopened without tolls.

"During my speech at the Mansion House, I clearly stated: the Strait of Hormuz must be entirely reopened, without any constraints or fees. The obstruction of this crucial waterway is adversely affecting global trade and driving up prices domestically. The principle of freedom of navigation means that passage must remain free," Cooper, who also serves as the Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, expressed on X.

On Thursday, the UK Foreign Secretary revealed that London has been collaborating with international partners to facilitate the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and to encourage a rapid resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"We are engaging with allies globally to assist those affected here in the UK," Cooper stated.

Last week, she spearheaded discussions with over 40 nations regarding the pressing need to restore freedom of navigation for global shipping.

"A prompt resolution to this conflict is essential for ensuring security, especially for our citizens in the region, and is critical in alleviating the cost of living issues we face here. The UK has consistently advocated for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait. We will persist in our efforts with the shipping, insurance, and energy sectors to reestablish confidence in this route as swiftly as possible. Iran must immediately halt all mining activities, drone assaults, and other actions that impede commercial shipping in the Strait," Cooper declared following the ceasefire announcement between the US, Israel, and Iran on April 8.

Moreover, Cooper called for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, stressing the necessity for the upcoming discussions on Saturday to culminate in a comprehensive end to the conflict and to ensure that Iran does not continue to jeopardize the Strait or its neighboring countries.

"We will persist in our international efforts to support this ceasefire, advance negotiations, and safeguard security and stability in the region, alongside preserving freedom of navigation worldwide," the UK Foreign Secretary declared.

In the meantime, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is undertaking a tour of the Gulf, engaging with regional partners to discuss diplomatic strategies to uphold the ceasefire.

"During this visit, the Prime Minister will reaffirm his government's commitment to de-escalation and will engage in further discussions on practical measures to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following positive developments reported as a result of the ceasefire. As previously stated by the Prime Minister, the United Kingdom is leading the international effort, bringing together allies from around the globe to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is reopened," a statement from 10 Downing Street indicated ahead of the visit on Wednesday.