A
second Royal Navy warship has arrived in the Gulf to protect British ships amid
heightened tensions in the region.
HMS
Duncan has joined frigate HMS Montrose to escort vessels sailing under the
British flag through the Strait of Hormuz.
HMS
Montrose has so far accompanied 35 vessels through the strait, according to the
Ministry of Defense.
Defense
Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK continued to push for a diplomatic resolution
to the situation.
"Freedom
of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital not just to the UK, but also our
international partners and allies," he said. "Merchant ships must be
free to travel lawfully and trade safely, anywhere in the world."
Wallace
added the Royal Navy will continue to provide a safeguard for UK vessels
"until this is the reality."
HMS
Duncan is a Type 45 Destroyer which the Royal Navy describes as "among the
most advanced warships ever built."
