Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Yemen

Tuesday 8 September 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK is committing an additional 25 million to Yemen to support the United Nations special envoy's efforts.
  • The UK agrees that combining diplomatic clout and development expertise will enhance support for those in need in Yemen.
  • The UK maintains that selling arms and providing aid are not contradictory, emphasizing the right of countries to defend against external aggression.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS Foreign Affairs
Context

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is deteriorating, with rising famine and a predicted surge in symptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen? The humanitarian situation is worsening, with 10 million people potentially facing symptomatic cases of covid-19. What steps are being taken to address this?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK is committing an additional £25 million to Yemen, supporting the efforts of the United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths. We continue to work towards diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific assessment or provide detailed steps beyond funding and diplomacy.

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Q2 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Government's efforts to support those in need in Yemen are seen as needing enhancement.

Question

Does the Minister agree that bringing together our diplomatic clout and development expertise will further enhance action to support those in need in Yemen?

Answer from James Cleverly

I agree. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary speaks with international counterparts about supporting Yemen, while I engage directly with Yemeni officials to apply diplomatic pressure for a cessation of conflict.

Answered
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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Oxfam campaigners are handing in a letter urging the UK Government to stop fuelling the war in Yemen by resuming arms sales licences to Saudi Arabia.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that selling arms while providing aid is contradictory? Also, does he agree that an immediate ceasefire is needed?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK has a robust arms trade licensing regime. We aim to minimise civilian casualties through collaboration with allies, and all countries have the right to defend against external aggression. The UK is proud of its work in aiding Yemen.

Not addressed: Did not address the contradiction or necessity of a ceasefire directly.

How: Minimising Civilian Casualties, Right To Self-Defence

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