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Question
Welcomed President Biden's approach to Yemen, noting complications with Houthi advances and Saudi coalition involvement. Urged alignment with US policy on arms sales and aid cuts, suggesting hosting a UN summit for peace talks and considering future military stabilisation efforts.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the thoughtful contribution from Tobias Ellwood and confirmed Britain’s commitment to peaceful settlement in Yemen through cooperation with international partners. Emphasised support for UN envoy Martin Griffiths and noted Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself against Houthi attacks.
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Question
Critiqued the UK’s involvement in arming Saudi Arabia, highlighting divergence from US policy post-Trump. Questioned Foreign Secretary’s failure to challenge Trump's decision on Houthis and urged action on arms sales and support for Saudi Arabia. Asked about discussions with US on these matters.
Minister reply
Defended Anglo-US relations noting early engagement with President Biden and the US Government regarding concerns over Houthi designation. Emphasised that decisions on arms sales are US's prerogative while UK adheres strictly to export licensing criteria for humanitarian aid.
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Question
Does the minister recognise that much of this dispute is about water and missile technology now being used to threaten Saudi Arabia’s desalination plants? Will he stand up for Britain's interests in the region and oppose Iranian actions causing violence across the Arabian peninsula?
Minister reply
The UK recognises Iran’s destabilising interference in Yemen through its support of the Houthis, which contravenes UN Security Council Resolution 2216. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a legitimate right to defend itself.
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Question
The Scottish National party disagrees with UK Government’s position on Yemen and questions its role as an arms dealer in the conflict. Will suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia help work towards peace?
Minister reply
The UK's position is that we have been active players in attempting to bring about peace, engaging extensively with regional players including the Houthis directly and the Government of Yemen.
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Question
Ahead of a UN Security Council meeting next week on Yemen, will the Minister consider representations from parties in Yemen and the international community regarding procedural irregularities and concerns about inaccuracies in the panel’s report?
Minister reply
The UK takes food insecurity in Yemen seriously. The minister is willing to receive details of concerns but it would be inappropriate to comment until points raised have been reviewed.
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Question
The Liberal Democrats call for arms sales to Saudi Arabia to be suspended due to its targeting of civilians in Yemen, which is a clear breach of international law. Will the Government follow the US’s example and stop all arms sales supporting this war?
Minister reply
The UK takes arms export licensing responsibilities very seriously and rigorously assesses every licence application against consolidated EU and national criteria.
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Question
Is the minister surprised that Opposition parties rarely comment on Iran’s activities in Yemen? What steps are being taken to address this issue?
Minister reply
The minister welcomed Saudi Arabia's unilateral ceasefire but was disappointed by attacks and attempted attacks. He called for an end to Iran's destabilising activity.
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Question
What steps are being taken to address freedom of religion or belief violations in Yemen, as highlighted by the 2020 Human Rights & Democracy report?
Minister reply
The UK condemns persecution of religious minorities in Yemen and continues to follow their treatment closely through meetings with representatives and lobbying.
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Question
What discussions has the minister had with the US Administration about Iran’s policy and implications for the current conflict in Yemen?
Minister reply
The E3 (including UK) and the United States discussed a united approach to address concerns about Iran. The UK will continue working with partners to pursue this agenda.
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Question
Will the Minister welcome moves by Martin Griffiths to broker a regional peace agreement and commit not to supply any arms to Saudi Arabia while the war continues?
Minister reply
The UK supports Martin Griffiths’ role in bringing about peace. The minister criticises Iran’s support of the Houthis, noting its devastating impact on Yemen.
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Question
Will the Minister undertake to maintain generous aid contributions towards Yemen at the pledging conference and work with partners to see how vaccines can be made available in the battle against COVID-19?
Minister reply
The UK has contributed £1 billion since conflict started. The official development assistance budget will be constrained due to coronavirus but the UK will continue leading efforts for equitable vaccine distribution.
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Question
For too long, Yemen has been the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, so what steps is the Minister taking to protect UK aid spending to Yemen from his Government’s cuts, and how is he encouraging the participation of women and girls in conflict resolution and peacekeeping in Yemen?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her points. As she knows, coronavirus has had a detrimental effect on our economies which will impact on aid spend, but Yemen remains a UK priority country with continued diplomatic efforts to bring about peace. I also emphasise the importance of women’s voices in decision making about peacebuilding.
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Question
Two of the most worrying aspects of the role of the Houthi rebels are their use of long-range missile technology procured from Iran and their persistent recruitment of child soldiers. How are these issues best addressed?
Minister reply
Ultimately, peace is the only sustainable way to protect civilians from such attacks. We support Martin Griffiths and speak with regional partners, Yemen’s Government, and the Houthis directly to encourage a political solution.
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Question
The UK provides £5.5 billion-worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia but does not provide them to Iran or the Houthis. How is this supporting peace in Yemen? If it’s not, should we stop arming Saudi?
Minister reply
I am amazed at equating a UN-recognised state defending itself with an organisation that is not a state actor and I refute any false equivalence between them.
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Question
The Houthis have failed to reciprocate the Saudi-led coalition’s unilateral ceasefire, and recently made attacks in Aden. Apart from supporting UN efforts, what more can we do about it?
Minister reply
We will continue to work through the UN with Martin Griffiths by speaking directly to the various parties involved to encourage a meaningful political resolution.
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Question
This year marks the seventh anniversary of the start of the war in Yemen. The US has pledged to stop support for offensive Saudi operations; should the UK follow suit?
Minister reply
The best way to end the conflict is if the Houthis respect and reciprocate the ceasefire, which they have not done. We will work with the international community to support meaningful peace efforts.
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Question
Yemen has been described as one of the worst places in the world for women. What assurance can my right hon. Friend give me that the UK Government are doing all they can to work with all parties involved to bring this conflict to an end?
Minister reply
The best way to address the situation is by bringing about a meaningful and lasting peace, which we will pursue vigorously.
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Question
How does selling arms to Saudi Arabia assist the UN special envoy for Yemen in his diplomatic efforts to secure a negotiated political solution?
Minister reply
The UK’s work with the Government of Yemen and through Martin Griffiths is separate from our arms licences. We are working hard to alleviate the humanitarian situation until peace is brought about.
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Question
What assurance can you give on efforts to stabilise and empty the oil tanker, FSO Safer, off Yemen’s coast?
Minister reply
We have liaised with the Houthis directly regarding this issue. It is up to them to ensure the safety of those seeking to secure the tanker.
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Question
If President Biden’s decision to end US support for Saudi Arabia’s offensive operations was part of his pledge to restore moral leadership, how would you characterise the UK’s continuing support?
Minister reply
The UK stands by its leading position in attempting to bring about a meaningful and sustainable peace in Yemen.
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Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his response to this timely urgent question. What role can the UK play to ensure that all partners in the region are working actively to end the war in Yemen?
Minister reply
The UK plays a very active role as a humanitarian donor, encouraging other countries around the world and the region to support the humanitarian effort, and acting as convener of diplomatic efforts to bring about peace.
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Question
This is a complex conflict on which any sensible Government would not take sides. There is clearly evil on all sides, and the UK has repeatedly sided with Saudi Arabia, breaking UK court orders to prevent further arms sales last year. Surely now is the right time to stop British complicity and follow the US lead in stopping arms licences.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman’s deployment of the word “evil” betrays his prejudices rather than any flaw in UK Government policy. The UK will continue to pursue peace and support humanitarian efforts.
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Question
It is clear that the reason the Houthis will not meaningfully engage in the quest for peace is due to Iranian regime support. What steps is the UK taking to pressure Iran to end its intervention?
Minister reply
Iran’s involvement prolongs the conflict, and we work with Martin Griffiths and the United Nations to speak to all parties involved, including putting pressure on Iran to stop supporting the Houthis.
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Question
Despite claims that UK provides training to avoid civilian casualties, there is no sign of reduced toll from air raids. How can the Government justify profiting from arms deals while spending £2.4 million since 2016 on secretive funds to bolster Saudi forces?
Minister reply
The UK upholds international humanitarian law and works with countries around the region to improve their institutions, part of our ongoing agenda as a force for good in the world.
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Question
Other Members have raised Iran’s proxy activities in Yemen. Does my right hon. Friend agree it is essential to retain good relations with Saudi Arabia, ensuring balance and eliminating humanitarian problems?
Minister reply
Saudi Arabia is a strong bilateral partner on security issues and one of the larger contributors to humanitarian support for Yemen; maintaining good bilateral relations is important.