Latest attacks from Israel and Hezbollah: World holds breath over ‘imminent invasion’ of Lebanon as heavy artillery fire is heard in border towns – live updates

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Britain to leave Lebanon immediately amid the threat of a ground invasion by Israel.

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground was “evolving rapidly” and that ministers could not guarantee they would be able to help “if things escalate widely in the coming hours and days”.

He told reporters on Monday evening: ‘Since taking office in July I have been pushing for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed, in October 2023, the previous government urged British nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

‘Nevertheless, we have sent a rapid response team. There are 700 troops in Cyprus. We will do everything we can to help people get out. We have secured places on commercial flights flying tomorrow so British nationals can disembark.”

He added: “I urge them to leave as the situation on the ground is changing rapidly.

‘While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we might do so if things escalate widely in the coming hours and days. ‘