It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab promised a £5 million direct support package for the country.
Mr Raab said he had spoken to Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, and pledged to “stand by the Lebanese people in their time of need”.
The Foreign Secretary said the support would include “search and rescue, humanitarian assistance up to £5 million, as well as expert medical support”. It is understood while British Army personnel have not yet been called upon to assist it remains a possibility. The Foreign Office confirmed that the UK has also offered enhanced support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, including tailored medical help, strategic air transport assistance, and engineering and communications support.
International Development Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “We have all been shocked by the scenes of devastation and suffering in Beirut. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and who have lost loved ones.
“The UK stands ready to support the people of Lebanon in their time of need and has offered to send medics and rescue workers to treat those who have been injured.”
