Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Yemen

Tuesday 19 January 2021 · 5 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK remains concerned about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen and supports positive steps towards peace.
  • The UK is raising concerns with Iran over its destabilising influence in Yemen and supports efforts to curb Iranian regional dominance.
  • The UK has requested comprehensive exemptions from the US decision to designate Houthis as a foreign terrorist organisation and will engage with the Biden Administration on this issue.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is considering its support for UN initiatives to secure peace in Yemen. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis are of concern.

Question

What support the UK is providing to the UN's work to secure peace in Yemen?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. We welcome the positive steps towards implementation of the Riyadh agreement, including the formation of a new inclusive Yemeni Cabinet. While we share US concerns about Houthi attacks on civilians and cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia, we do not intend to proscribe the Houthis at this time but will keep this under regular review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions and commitments in support of UN peace efforts are not fully detailed

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Q2 Scott Benton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about Iran's influence and support for the Houthis, exacerbating tensions and conflicts.

Question

The crisis in Yemen is of great concern to all of us, and it is perfectly clear that Iran is exploiting the conflict for its own ends. Does the Minister agree that until Iranian aspirations for regional dominance are curtailed, this conflict will continue?

Answer from James Cleverly

We must see an end to Iran's destabilising influence in Yemen. We have raised this issue directly with the Iranian Government and remain concerned at Iran's political, financial and military support to militant groups in the region, continuing our work to dissuade Iran from proliferation and wider destabilising actions.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Foreign Affairs Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Mark Lowcock has expressed concerns that the US decision to designate Houthis as a terrorist group will worsen Yemen's humanitarian crisis.

Question

Mark Lowcock has stated that the US's designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organisation will push Yemen into famine. Could I ask what the UK Government are doing to get the US Administration to change their mind?

Answer from James Cleverly

Following President Trump's decision, we have requested that the US put in place comprehensive exemptions. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will engage with the incoming Administration on this and other bilateral issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments or actions beyond requests for exemptions are not detailed

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Q4 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Asylum & Refugees Foreign Affairs
Context

Yemeni communities in Salford fear the impact of the US designation, potentially obstructing humanitarian aid. Previous Minister's comments were welcomed.

Question

Salford is home to one of the UK's oldest Yemeni communities, providing humanitarian relief to the region. With charities fearing the impact of the US decision, will the Minister contact President-elect Biden and ask him to revoke the designation?

Answer from James Cleverly

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will engage at the earliest opportunity with the incoming Administration in the White House, having already requested comprehensive exemptions from the US decision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments beyond requests for exemptions are not detailed

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Q5 Wayne David Lab
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

President Trump's designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organisation is seen to make peace harder and could cause famine in Yemen. The UK's response has been limited.

Question

Why have the Government failed to condemn this obviously dangerous step? Will they now join us in calling on Joe Biden to reverse this decision?

Answer from James Cleverly

The idea that the UK has not been active is nonsense. We have discussed the issue with international partners, provided humanitarian support, and lobbied for access to remain. This is a global tragedy, and I am proud of our work.

Not addressed: Specific condemnation or call to action are not addressed directly

How: Self-Evidently Nonsense

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