Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Yemen

Tuesday 20 July 2021 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Paul Blomfield expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Yemen and questioned the Government's steps to prevent starvation and disease despite reduced aid.
  • Paul Blomfield inquired about additional diplomatic pressure to facilitate inclusive peace talks in Yemen, emphasizing the need to address the worsening humanitarian situation.
  • Wayne David criticized the reduction in food aid, suggesting that maintaining current life-saving programmes would enhance the UK's global reputation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Blomfield Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

Seven years into a violent conflict, the UN warns of an impending famine in Yemen. The government has cut aid to the country significantly.

Question

I am concerned about the ongoing violence and suffering in Yemen after seven years without resolution. With warnings of the worst famine in decades, what steps will the Government take to prevent starvation and disease given that their aid has been reduced? As a penholder for Yemen at the UN, what additional pressure is being put on all parties, including the Houthis, Hadi Government, and Southern Transitional Council, for meaningful peace talks?

Answer from James Cleverly (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence)

We remain committed to supporting UN efforts towards a peaceful settlement in Yemen, working with international partners. The Government is concerned about the humanitarian situation and has provided over £1 billion in aid since conflict began. Discussions on food security have been held with World Food Programme officials. Our best course of action is to end the conflict through engagement with Saudi Arabia, the Yemeni government, and a call for constructive dialogue from the Houthis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for preventing starvation and disease despite reduced aid; vague on further diplomatic actions beyond existing efforts

How: We Are Committed To, Best Thing We Can Do

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Q2 Paul Blomfield Lab
Foreign Affairs Benefits & Welfare
Context

Yemen faces the worst famine warning with over £1 billion in UK aid since conflict began. The government has halved its aid despite warnings from the UN.

Question

Given the worsening humanitarian situation and the UK's reduced aid, what measures will be taken to prevent families from dying of starvation and disease? As a penholder for Yemen at the UN, what additional diplomatic pressure is being applied on all parties for inclusive peace talks involving key stakeholders?

Answer from James Cleverly (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence)

The UK remains committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Over £1 billion in aid has been provided since conflict began. Discussions on food security were held with World Food Programme officials during the G7 meeting. The best action is to bring about a peaceful settlement through diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, while urging the Houthis to engage constructively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify immediate actions for famine prevention or new steps in diplomatic pressure beyond existing efforts; vague on specific commitments

How: We Are Committed, Best Thing We Can Do

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Q3 Wayne David Lab
NHS Foreign Affairs Benefits & Welfare
Context

Yemen is facing the worst famine warning with nearly a quarter million people losing food aid due to government cuts. Aid agencies say restarting programmes next year would be too late for those currently needing help.

Question

Where is the morality and sense in reducing food aid while trumpeting the fight against famine at G7? The Government's plan to restart life-saving programmes next year is impractical. Would it not be better to maintain current programmes which enhance UK's global reputation?

Answer from James Cleverly (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence)

Despite economic challenges, the UK remains one of Yemen's largest bilateral donors. Beyond funding, diplomatic efforts are crucial. Discussions with Yemen and Saudi Arabia aim to facilitate fuel deliveries at Hodeidah port for grain milling and food transport. This work alongside UN efforts is seen as key for medium and long-term relief.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the reduction of aid or immediate needs; focused on medium-long term actions without addressing current famine warnings

How: It Is Also About Bringing Diplomatic Power, Best Thing We Can Do

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