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Question
What talks has the Government had with other allies regarding providing direct military support against the Houthi threat in future? How will the UK approach Iran under the new US Administration?
Minister reply
Discussions are ongoing to secure wider support from allied nations for addressing the Houthi threat, including NATO members. Concerning Iran, while specific details of our approach remain confidential, we aim to address broader strategic concerns involving hostile states like Iran and Russia.
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Question
Can the Secretary confirm reports that the Houthis have received targeting assistance from Russia? Does Russian involvement not underscore why supporting Ukraine against Russia is crucial?
Minister reply
There are credible reports suggesting Russian support for Houthi missile attacks, highlighting the interconnected nature of strategic threats and reinforcing the importance of global alliances in countering such challenges.
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Question
Does the UK's use of Diego Garcia military base for regional security operations underscore why surrendering its sovereignty would be reckless?
Minister reply
Diego Garcia’s strategic importance is clear in current operations, and decisions about future use must balance operational needs with long-term strategic interests.
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Question
Can the Secretary confirm that the Strategic Defence Review will be published in May, providing full details of major procurement choices?
Minister reply
While we aim to publish the SDR in spring, exact dates are subject to ongoing work. The review aims to provide a robust framework for future defence investments addressing immediate and emerging threats.
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Question
The MP asked about the Secretary's confidence in ensuring freedom of navigation and preventing further loss of life due to Houthi attacks based on current intelligence.
Minister reply
John Healey expressed support for the US-led campaign and stated that evidence suggested a reduction in Houthis' threat, reinforcing regional stability. The strike was designed to protect the domestic economy by ensuring uninterrupted international shipping.
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Question
The MP asked why the government chose this moment for a joint strike with US forces, raised concerns about intelligence security following recent leaks from President Trump's Cabinet, and sought updates on measures to minimize civilian casualties.
Minister reply
John Healey confirmed that UK intelligence systems remain secure. The decision was based on long-established policy, aligned with the United Nations charter, and reflects increased US military action against the Houthis. Actions were taken to protect economic interests and prevent further disruptions in international shipping.
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Question
The MP questioned whether Houthi attacks are undermining support for Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan, suggesting the Houthis should cease these actions if they genuinely care about Palestine.
Minister reply
John Healey agreed that there is no evidence of aid from the Houthis to Palestinians. The attacks cause regional insecurity without benefiting Palestinian interests.
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Question
The MP sought clarification on the long-term strategy for addressing Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping, particularly through Iran's proxies.
Minister reply
John Healey emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach involving constraints on the Houthis, bolstering Yemeni government strength and authority, pursuing negotiated settlements, and providing humanitarian aid.
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Question
The MP supported the necessity of a strong military for economic security and free trade and questioned why financial institutions should not invest more in defence industries.
Minister reply
John Healey agreed that private sector investment is crucial. The government will publish a strategy on leveraging private investments to support defence and technology industries.
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Question
The MP asked about the government's knowledge of Iran's ability to supply drones to the Houthis following the destruction of drone manufacturing capabilities in Yemen.
Minister reply
John Healey stated that allies are working together to make it difficult for Iran to maintain financial, logistical, and military support for the Houthis. Military action is part of a long-term solution.
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Question
We have had a long-standing relationship with the US, which is our closest security ally. Does he agree that our continued work on AUKUS will help to deepen and strengthen that for all the nations involved?
Minister reply
The AUKUS programme is indeed an example of how defence commitments provide long-term deterrents and economic benefits, highlighting the importance of combining national security with economic growth.
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Question
Does he agree that a broader debate in Parliament would be desirable to reinforce the will of the House while acknowledging all the trades involved?
Minister reply
While this is not a sustained campaign, it is part of a longer-term programme. The British Chambers of Commerce has reported that 50% of businesses in Britain are now impacted by conflicts in the Middle East.
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Question
Does the Defence Secretary agree that this action forms part of a joined-up international strategy to end Houthi attacks on freedom of navigation?
Minister reply
This operation was designed to prevent further escalation, taking out major weapons manufacturing sites used by the Houthis to hit international shipping.
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Question
What is being done to support our allies in the region against possible attacks as Carrier Strike Group 25 prepares to transit and exercise?
Minister reply
Defence Ministers give top priority to forces’ protection. The operation was designed to prevent further Houthi attacks by taking out major weapons manufacturing sites.
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Question
Does he agree that the whole House should stand together against Houthi attacks which challenge freedom of navigation and could lead to a devastating rise in food costs?
Minister reply
This is about protecting international law, economic self-interest for Britain and ensuring food and goods prices remain stable.
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Question
Is the Secretary of State confident about appropriate security for our military personnel following previous leaks from the Trump Administration?
Minister reply
We handle secure communications in secure ways consistently here in the UK.
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Question
Does he share my disappointment at trade deal decisions pushed back by the Trump Administration?
Minister reply
We are pulling out all stops behind the scenes to settle a trade deal with the US, reinforcing our close relationship on security and defence matters.
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Question
Will he ensure that the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains a priority given its constrained resources?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is conscious of this as we act not just as the third-largest donor to the Yemen humanitarian programme but also as penholder for Yemen at the UN.
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Question
Does he agree that we must reiterate how Houthi attacks are illegal, against the UN charter and target freedom of navigation which benefits all nations?
Minister reply
This is a matter of reinforcing regional stability and protecting our own economic interests back home.
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Question
Will he update the House on further sanctions against Iran given its support for Houthis?
Minister reply
The Government have sanctioned major Houthi leaders, and I welcome his welcome for our action in degrading their ability to threaten freedom of navigation.
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Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Question
Will the Secretary of State give a commitment that this Government, along with allies, will do all possible to deliver a road map for peace?
Minister reply
My responsibility is for military components. Constraining Houthi threat is part of it but working with regional allies to force pace of negotiation and peace in Yemen is crucial.
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Question
What steps are being taken to disrupt Russia’s deepening ties to Iran and its proxies across the Middle East?
Minister reply
I am not going to disclose in public or even to this House, the steps that we are taking to deal with some of that covert Russian activity.
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Question
I add my words of support for the action taken by the UK. The Houthi group is a terrorist organisation deeply destabilising Yemen, and it's right we are protecting freedom of navigation. Many in Halesowen are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Yemen; could you provide more information on what steps are being taken to end the civil war and support those in desperate need?
Minister reply
I mentioned the additional funding provided for the Yemeni humanitarian assistance plan, making us the third-largest donor. Our focus is on food aid due to critical shortages, supporting almost 900,000 people this year, as well as healthcare by supporting over 700 medical centres across the country.
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Question
Recognising the RAF's role in last night’s operation, given our existing global military commitments, should we consider providing a combat air patrol or air policing force in Ukraine as part of the coalition? If so, how will this impact our ability to facilitate direct action against Iranian-backed Houthis?
Minister reply
On Ukraine, if peace negotiations result in a ceasefire and agreement, we are planning. Any further commitments would be explained fully to Parliament. The actions taken last night were designed to reduce the risk of Houthi attacks on international shipping.
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Question
I thank the Defence Secretary for his statement and pay tribute to all involved in the successful strike. Does this Government always prioritise personnel at the heart of defence plans?
Minister reply
For too long, previous Governments overlooked this; they failed to meet recruitment targets. I am proud as a Labour Defence Secretary to have given armed forces personnel their largest pay increase for 20 years and to ensure no one in uniform is paid less than the national living wage.
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Question
Regarding Yemen, we need clarity on where this action leads. With 11 million people needing aid and a civil war ongoing, does this action bring peace nearer or exacerbate conflict?
Minister reply
The strikes were to reduce Houthi attacks on international shipping; they are sponsored by Iran and threaten our interests.
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Question
Welcoming the statement, I would like to discuss the policy towards Iran. What is this country’s stance on disrupting and containing the Iranian network of proxies in the Middle East?
Minister reply
Iran is a destabilising influence across the region, developing and sponsoring proxy groups such as the Houthis. Part of achieving regional security involves a reconciliation where Iran stops threatening its neighbours.
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Question
Welcoming these RAF strikes in conjunction with US Operation Rough Rider, will the Defence Secretary commit to ongoing UK support to degrade Houthi capabilities rather than an ad hoc approach?
Minister reply
Operation Rough Rider is a US-led campaign; any future military interventions will be reported to Parliament.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement and pay tribute to our armed forces. Does he agree that the USA is always our strongest security ally?
Minister reply
Indeed; the US-UK defence relationship has depth, with us training, exercising, and sometimes fighting together.
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Question
Concerned about reports of a delayed strategic defence review, should we not be accelerating these decisions to ensure readiness?
Minister reply
The SDR is an unprecedented externally led process allowing us to assess threats and capabilities within the increased funding over 10 years.
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Question
Regarding Russian support for Houthi operations, how effective are these interventions? Does this show we must continue supporting Ukraine against Putin?
Minister reply
Russian actions in Yemen are concerning; our focus is on ensuring military action is effective. We will report any significant progress to Parliament.
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Question
Why did the UK take kinetic role against Houthi under previous US Government but not now? Is this a response to allegations of European freeloading?
Minister reply
The strikes were necessary due to daily attacks on the US, halved shipping routes, and impact on UK businesses; we defend our interests and allies.
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Question
Thanking the Secretary of State for his answers, what further steps will be taken with NATO to secure the Red sea and Gulf of Aden, lowering shipping costs?
Minister reply
NATO Foreign Ministers have discussed broader challenges; we need collective action beyond UK or US alone.