Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Yemen

Tuesday 20 January 2026 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister welcomes the forthcoming southern dialogue conference led by Saudi Arabia.
  • The UK, as UN penholder, is actively supporting the process through sustained engagement.
  • The Minister has been in regular dialogue with the United Arab Emirates regarding a ceasefire.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Abtisam Mohamed Lab Sheffield Central
Foreign Affairs
Context

The United Nations special envoy has described a rapidly worsening humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen. The situation is further complicated by an escalation of tensions in southern Yemen.

Question

In the context of what the United Nations special envoy has described as a rapidly worsening humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen, does the Minister welcome the forthcoming southern dialogue conference, led by Saudi Arabia and supported by the Arab League and the Gulf Co-operation Council? How is the UK, as penholder on Yemen, supporting that process to deliver a tangible road map for a way forward that addresses the aspirations of southern communities?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

I do welcome Saudi Arabia’s southern dialogue conference. As my hon. Friend has said, it is supported by the Arab League and the GCC, and it is a vital step amid a worsening humanitarian and economic crisis. As UN penholder, the UK is actively supporting the process, through sustained engagement with Saudi leaders, the UN special envoy and regional partners, to help shape a credible road map that reflects southern communities’ aspirations.

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Q2 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Minister referred to the United Arab Emirates’ call for a ceasefire on January 5th. The situation remains tense with ongoing conflict in southern Yemen.

Question

In his statement on 5 January, the Minister referred to the United Arab Emirates’ call then for a ceasefire. What discussions have since taken place with the United Arab Emirates, and is that still its position?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

We have been in regular dialogue with our allies in the United Arab Emirates, and I understand that its position remains to support a ceasefire. I know that it is taking part in extensive dialogue on these questions, not just with us but with some of its other Gulf partners.

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