HORMUZ TOLLS UNDERMINE GLOBAL SECURITY – Threats to charge ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz {JC}
Britain’s foreign secretary Yvette Cooper warned against any attempt to charge ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it would undermine global economic and maritime security.
Speaking alongside her German counterpart in Berlin on Thursday (April 16, 2026) Cooper said suggestions of tolling the strategic waterway threatened core principles of international law and free trade.
Cooper warned that monetising access to international straits could set a dangerous precedent, risking further disruption to global shipping routes, such as the Strait of Dover or the Strait of Bab al-Mandab.
Cooper said London welcomed reports of renewed negotiations aimed at restoring stability in the region, while stressing Britain’s support for defensive action and its commitment to a diplomatic end to the conflict.
Cooper spoke at an event marking the German-British friendship and promoting the activities of the German British Society in Koenigswinter.
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul highlighted the importance of cooperation between Berlin and London in confronting shared global challenges and announced plans for a direct rail connection between Germany and the UK and expanded youth exchanges.
