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Action Against Houthi Maritime Attacks
23 January 2024
Lead MP
Rishi Sunak
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 43
At a Glance
Rishi Sunak raised concerns about action against houthi maritime attacks in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The UK, alongside the United States and supported by other nations, conducted a second wave of strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom of navigation. The minister emphasised that these actions are justified under international law for self-defence against persistent threats from the Houthis. He outlined the ongoing diplomatic efforts with allies and partners to address the illegal supply of arms to the Houthis, including planned new sanctions measures and increased maritime security cooperation. The statement also highlighted humanitarian aid commitments in Yemen and a commitment to non-involvement with Israel-Gaza conflicts.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
What are the Government's intentions for future operations against the Houthi threat, both military and diplomatic?
Minister reply
The UK will not hesitate to respond again in self-defence if necessary. We continue to engage diplomatically with allies and partners to address the illegal supply of arms and financial support to the Houthis.
David Anderson
Lab
Blaydon
Question
Does the minister agree that these actions risk escalating the conflict further, especially given the ongoing issues in Gaza?
Minister reply
These actions are about self-defence and protecting international security. They do not escalate the situation but rather address persistent threats against UK and allied interests.
Angela Crawley
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
What measures are in place to ensure that civilians are not harmed during these military operations?
Minister reply
The strikes were carefully planned with maximum care taken to protect civilian lives. They targeted specific military sites critical for the Houthis' attacks on shipping.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon
Question
Given the complexity of regional dynamics, how does the Government plan to maintain unity among allies and partners in addressing these threats?
Minister reply
We are working closely with allies like the US, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and others. The Foreign Secretary will be visiting the region soon to further strengthen our collaborative efforts.
Mitcham and Morden
Question
Can you provide more details on how the Government plans to cut off financial resources used by the Houthis for their attacks?
Minister reply
We are working with the US on new sanctions measures that will be announced in the coming days. These aim to disrupt the funding streams supporting Houthi military activities.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
Asked for confirmation on strikes' effectiveness, legal justification publication update, expansion of coalition support, and measures to disrupt Iranian influence.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister confirmed that the recent strikes were effective based on intelligence showing targets destroyed. He stated that an updated summary of legal advice would be published or has been published. The coalition is being expanded, and steps are taken with allies to counter Iranian influence through sanctions.
Jeremy Quin
Con
Question
Asked if a prolonged and persistent targeted campaign may be necessary.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister stated that no decision has been made for sustained action beyond limited strikes in self-defence, but the military action is part of a broader strategy including diplomacy and sanctions.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Asked about confidence in effectiveness given Houthi's history and need for a wider regional strategy.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister argued that doing nothing would be wrong, risking control of vital shipping routes to militant groups. He emphasised the military action as part of a broader strategy including diplomacy and sanctions.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Welcomes the airstrikes but asks about a comprehensive strategic approach to reduce Iran's influence in the Middle East, the threat from Iranian proxies, and al-Qaeda/ISIS activity. Asks for the UK to launch a contact group for Palestine.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the significant threat posed by Iran, noting sanctions on over 400 individuals and entities. Emphasises working with allies against Iran’s influence in Yemen through interdiction of weapons and diplomatic efforts.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Thinks the statement lacks clarity on next steps, regional escalation risks, and calls for a vote on the matter.
Minister reply
Explains that inaction would damage international security and the global economy. Confirms plans to work with allies against Houthi attacks but reserves right to act in self-defence.
Question
Asks about contingency planning for IRGC attacks if Houthi attacks continue.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the link between Iran and Houthis, discusses working closely with allies on maritime security and diplomatic efforts.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Question
Asks if there is a plan B in case Houthi attacks continue.
Minister reply
Explains working with allies to condemn Houthis' behaviour, supporting sanctions measures.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Asks if the Prime Minister will address how to deal with Yemen as an ungoverned space.
Minister reply
States support for UN efforts in Yemen, highlights the importance of food supply and oil infrastructure, and reiterates commitment to a lasting peace.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Asks the Prime Minister to condemn Israeli officials' statements opposing the two-state solution.
Minister reply
Reaffirms commitment to a two-state solution and reiterates efforts towards peace in the region.
Question
Asks if there is a fresh approach to resolving Yemen's governance issues beyond removing immediate threats.
Minister reply
Acknowledges previous efforts, highlights UK’s role as penholder on Yemen at the UN and support for humanitarian aid.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Question
Asks about risks if Houthis move to other parts of Yemen and inquires about civilian casualties.
Minister reply
Reports no evidence of civilian casualties from recent strikes.
Question
Inquires about rumours that the Houthi group may be proscribed as a terrorist organisation and impact on humanitarian aid.
Minister reply
Notes the US has designated Houthi group as a specially designated terrorist group but refrains from commenting further.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
At the moment, we see Houthi attacks continuing, the Popular Mobilisation Units attacking US bases in Syria, and Hezbollah in a low-level war with Israel in Lebanon. Yesterday in Gaza 24 members of the Israeli military were killed, and 24,000 Palestinians have died—[Interruption.] It is now 25,000, we are told. This morning we heard how a doctor is amputating children’s limbs in Gaza without anaesthetics. Does the Prime Minister not realise that, without an immediate ceasefire, any hope of a strategy succeeding will fail, and that the Netanyahu Cabinet has now become an obstacle to peace, rather than a partner in peace?
Minister reply
As I have said, no one wants to see the conflict in Gaza go on for a moment longer than is necessary. An immediate pause is now needed to get aid in and hostages out. The best outcome will be moving from that pause to a sustainable ceasefire, but that sustainable, permanent ceasefire does require a set of conditions for it to be truly sustainable and permanent, and that involves the release of all hostages and Hamas having no role in Gaza, particularly to fire rockets continually into Israel.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
If the Houthis persist, have we the capability to remove the threat, and will we do it?
Minister reply
As my right hon. Friend can see, we will always back up our words with action. We have been clear that we will not tolerate risk to innocent lives and British interests in the region. We will take action where necessary in a limited and proportionate way, in compliance with international law and in self-defence.
Question
It is clear that the “Partisans of God”—the Houthi militia—are fascist and racist. They are backed by fascists and racists in Tehran. Further to earlier questions—this has been asked time and again from both sides of the House—may I ask when we will get around to fully proscribing the IRGC?
Minister reply
As I have said previously, we do not routinely comment on groups that we may or may not be considering for proscription, but we have taken significant action against the IRGC, including sanctioning them in their entirety and passing new laws here at home to make sure that we can protect ourselves.
Question
I congratulate the Prime Minister on a robust response—the right to navigate is indisputable—but the damage has already been done. Tankers are avoiding the Gulf of Aden, the Red sea and the Suez canal. Freight rates are now soaring and the impact of that on European refineries is likely to be significant. Can the Prime Minister say more about what will be done for armed convoys and how we will restore confidence that people and vessels will be able to navigate that stretch of water?
Minister reply
The Transport Secretary has been engaging extensively with the industry. My hon. Friend will have seen the statements from leading shipping companies after last week’s strike, saying that they welcomed action being taken to restore security.
Battersea
Question
The war in Gaza and the situation in the middle east are worsening every day. We know that more than 25,000 people have been killed, including 10,000 children, not to mention about 135,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition. We know that the only way to de-escalate the violence in Gaza and the crisis in the Red sea is by securing an immediate ceasefire—not a pause, but an immediate ceasefire. Why will the Prime Minister not commit to calling for this, so that we can see an end to this humanitarian catastrophe and the killing of innocent children?
Minister reply
I point the hon. Lady to my previous comments on that topic, but I will also just highlight that we have trebled our aid commitment for this financial year.
Question
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I thank the Prime Minister for his resolute work, including the wider update on humanitarian aid and work to release hostages. Families of hostages and those hostages released will be suffering unconscionable long-term psychological trauma. Can we, in addition to physical aid, look at providing psychological support and expertise from the UK wherever it is needed for all those so gravely impacted?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for that excellent point. Like her, I have spent time with hostage families, including just yesterday.
Question
I and many others will be disappointed at the Prime Minister’s failure to condemn the increasingly violent and extreme language by Netanyahu and his Ministers, and I invite him again to do so. The Prime Minister said 10 days ago that the airstrikes against Houthi targets would send a clear message. The Foreign Secretary said this morning that more strikes send the clearest message. Can the Prime Minister tell us where that will end, given that the only message actually being received in the region, whether he likes it or not, is about the UK’s failure to back an end to the suffering in Gaza?
Minister reply
Again, I urge the hon. Lady not to link and conflate these two things.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and actions of self-defence against the Houthis as the right thing to do. Over the past 24 hours, the BBC has carried reports that senior IRGC generals have made extremist speeches to United Kingdom students that are riddled with antisemitism and the promotion of violence. This radicalisation simply must stop. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to end IRGC infiltration in the United Kingdom? While I fully acknowledge that he will not comment on proscription at the Dispatch Box, will he at least acknowledge the strength of feeling on both sides of the House and across the political divide for the proscription of the IRGC, which is behind so much of the violence in the region, including the barbaric attacks of 7 October and the continuing attacks in the Red sea?
Minister reply
I first stress that it is an absolute priority to protect the UK against foreign interference, and we will use all available levers to do that.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
I, too, share concerns about what the strategy is, what the contagion to the rest of the middle east will be, and the possibility that might be bolstering the Houthis’ position in Yemen. Can I ask the Prime Minister about a constituent’s partner, who I mentioned to the Leader of the House last Thursday? He has been awaiting evacuation from south Gaza for a number of months. He has now suffered a broken leg and is receiving no healthcare. I urge the Prime Minister to liaise with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities for his immediate evacuation—it cannot carry on.
Minister reply
I am very happy to do that, and I will follow up with the Leader of the House on the hon. Lady’s case.
Question
The threat to maritime shipping in the Red sea is from not just Houthi missiles, but the threat of cyber-attacks often coming from Iranian proxies. Does the Prime Minister agree that there is an urgent need to strengthen the cyber-resilience of our maritime partners, to ensure that they are not susceptible to the threat of cyber-attack, which may disable them and cause multiple problems?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and that is why we previously created and funded the National Cyber Security Centre, on which our allies respect us for showing global leadership.
Question
The key to addressing violence is to address the root cause, not just its manifestations. The Red sea is inextricably linked to the events in Gaza. Rather than bombing the Houthis, who have been bombed for a decade by Saudi Arabia with the best military equipment that Britain and America could sell to it, is it not time that we supported South Africa and other countries at the International Court of Justice in addressing the root cause, which is the genocide unfolding in Palestine?
Minister reply
I disagree with the hon. Gentleman, and we disagree with what South Africa has brought to the ICJ and do not believe that it is helpful.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
The Prime Minister has referred to the international support for the actions in the Red sea, but why have only US and UK forces actually taken part in them?
Minister reply
We also received support from Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Bahrain in these strikes, as we did last time. I point the right hon. Gentleman to the statements that have been put out previously by over a dozen countries, including New Zealand, Korea, Singapore and others, and also to the UN Security Council resolution from 10 January, which was unequivocal in condemning the Houthi attacks and acknowledging the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
We now have 25,000 dead. There are still 130 hostages. My extended family are still trapped. While we want to have hope, I dare say that it has now turned to complete despondency... Does the Prime Minister not agree that what we have here are the extremes of the debate? What words of hope does he have to offer those voices in Israel, Palestine and beyond who cling on desperately for the light in this darkness?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and comments... I remain confident, because of the engagement that we are having, that we can make progress on that aim.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
The Prime Minister said, “We urge the Houthis, and those who enable them, to stop these illegal and unacceptable attacks.” He then spoke only about Iran in terms of those who enable them. Who else is enabling the Houthis, and what action are the UK and its allies taking to stop them and their supply of weapons and other support to the Houthis?
Minister reply
I particularly mentioned Iran with good reason, because it is one of the primary suppliers of weapons to the Houthis... It will continue to be a focus of our diplomatic efforts.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
Further violence will not achieve peace. Aid agencies are warning that the UK and the US continuing to bomb Yemen is threatening civilian populations and inhibiting humanitarian assistance reaching millions who are already enduring starvation... Why can the Prime Minister not just support the growing and increasing calls internationally for an immediate ceasefire in Israel-Gaza, an end to the bloodshed in Gaza and an end to the attacks on Yemen?
Minister reply
Again, I would not draw a link between the action in the Red sea and the situation in Gaza... We help feed around 100,000 Yemenis every single month.
Question
The Prime Minister sketched out some of the Government’s view on terms for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. What steps are the Government taking to discuss with other states—particularly with friendly states—a long-term peace plan for the region, including a two-state solution, to ensure that we make real progress towards that objective?
Minister reply
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that we are having exactly that conversation with all our partners and allies in the region... I believe that we are aligned on the future that we all want to see for the people of Israel and Gaza.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Although he was right to say in his statement that President Biden and he are united in support of a two-state solution, he will be acutely aware that the person who is likely to be President Biden’s main challenger in November’s election is almost certainly not in favour of a two-state solution, and neither is the Israeli Prime Minister. What are the Prime Minister and the British Government doing to use this narrow window of opportunity to push for that two-state solution?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous answer... We are absolutely committed to a two-state solution and will work very hard with all our allies to make progress towards that aim.
Question
Yemeni analyst Hisham Al-Omeisy is no friend of the Houthis—they took him hostage some time ago—but he has been raising concerns about the way in which these blunt military actions will play into the Houthi narrative against America and the UK. How does the Prime Minister intend to challenge that political narrative?
Minister reply
As I say, we are in dialogue with the Yemeni Government... We will continue to ensure that that point is heard loud and clear.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
The Houthis have already said that we should “expect a response” to the strikes. Benjamin Netanyahu’s words have further inflamed things, jeopardising opportunities for peace between Israel and Palestine... The Prime Minister has talked about talking to our allies. Will he set out the conversations that he has had with colleagues in the European Union?
Minister reply
I speak regularly to colleagues across Europe... We are all united on the outcome we want to see, which is a two-state solution.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I very much welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and his clear, firm stance—it is good to have that. What steps will he take to further secure safe passage for shipping companies?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to point out the economic impact of attacks on shipping... Prosperity Guardian is the operation providing more maritime security in the area.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
To follow up on the Prime Minister’s comments on Gaza, 25,000 people have now been killed there... Is it not time that our Government did more than express sympathies and instead used their diplomatic power to prevent more deaths there?
Minister reply
Our actions are clear: we have trebled our aid commitment this year, we are doing everything we can to open more crossings, and recently we worked to deliver a new humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza... We will continue to have those conversations to get more aid in.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
The Prime Minister says that he supports a two-state solution. That requires his Government to recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel... When will he do that?
Minister reply
The position of this Government is the same as that of previous Governments and is long-standing: we will recognise a Palestinian state at a time that best serves the peace process.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
There are 21 million people starving and in desperate need of food and aid in Yemen... How will the Prime Minister ensure that the military action taken by the British Government does not impede that desperately needed humanitarian support?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to my previous answer. In fact, the Houthis’ disruption of Red sea shipping is harming the Yemeni people...
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
It will surely be of great concern that the Royal Navy is now almost too small to carry out its many responsibilities. Can he assure the House that that important issue will be placed at the top of the agenda at the next defence review?
Minister reply
I am pleased to tell the hon. Gentleman that the MOD is receiving significant extra funds—£24 billion at the last spending review, and billions of pounds since—to rebuild stockpiles and ensure the sustainability of our defence nuclear enterprise. In particular, the Royal Navy has a very ambitious capital programme. As he can see, it has successfully carried out the operations that we need it to carry out, and it deserves our thanks and praise for its work.
Question
The Prime Minister spoke about maritime security in the region, particularly in relation to stemming illegal arms getting into Yemen. How will the UK’s ability to contribute to wider maritime security be affected by considerations of decommissioning HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll after multimillion-pound refits, and when will we make a final decision on whether to mothball HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark?
Minister reply
As the hon. Gentleman can see, we absolutely have the capabilities and personnel we need to contribute to allied operations such as Prosperity Guardian, and to take action in self-defence, as we have done. We will always ensure that our armed forces have the investment that they need, and under this and previous Governments they have continued to receive very significant investment, which is set to rise in the years ahead.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Labour Party supports the targeted action against the Houthis to reinforce maritime security but urges for more detailed information on its effectiveness. Keir Starmer also questioned the Prime Minister's confidence in the strikes' success, asked about restating legal positions, and sought updates on coalition support and additional steps for Yemeni humanitarian aid. He further requested a review of the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to disrupt IRGC activities.
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