Arms Trade: Yemen

The UAE's involvement in Yemen, particularly on Socotra Island, is concerning as they have established a military presence and supplied arms to militias. There are efforts in the US to block F-35 fighter jet sales to the UAE due to their role in Yemen.

The UK is contributing to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen by sending billions of munitions via Saudi Arabia. The UK's aid cut from £164 million to £87 million this year exacerbates the situation, while 24 million people need aid and protection and 10 million face severe food insecurity.

I am echoing concerns about the use of British arms in Yemen causing over 233,000 deaths since 2016. I call for urgent action to end support for Saudi airstrikes and suspend all arms sales.

The conflict in Yemen is one of the worst atrocities of modern times, with more than 4 million displaced and 80% of the population in need of aid. The UK has licensed at least £6.7 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia since 2015, contributing to ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Ordered hon. Members to arrive on time, remain for the entire debate, and reminded those participating virtually about technical issues and visibility requirements.

Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and malnourished, compounded by the pandemic. The UK Government has facilitated the conflict by supplying arms to Saudi-led forces despite evidence of war crimes.

Discussed the complexity of the Yemen conflict, highlighting multiple combatant groups and the need for a negotiated peace process. Emphasised that UK arms sales did not start the war but are subject to strict export criteria aimed at protecting human rights and regional stability.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is desperate with over 230,000 killed by war-related issues. The UK's decision to cut aid by almost 50% is striking, considering the poorest and most vulnerable people are in Yemen. The Government failed to implement laws regarding arms exports and resumed sales quickly despite Court of Appeal decisions.

Saudi armed forces are using UK-built arms, including Typhoon aircraft, missiles, and bombs. The licences include £1.4 billion in the ML4 category—a 500% increase on the previous six months. Sixty percent of Yemen's population needs humanitarian assistance due to food insecurity and lack of clean water.

My constituent Luke Symons has been detained at a Houthi checkpoint in Sana'a for four years. I appeal to the UK Government to redouble efforts to secure his release during Ramadan, showing mercy and compassion.

The ongoing war is intolerable with probable £20 billion spent on arms sales, generating £4 billion for the Exchequer. I argue that many of these licences were illegal and despite court orders, the Government continues to break them.

Defended UK arms trade with Saudi Arabia, arguing it secures regional stability and jobs at home compared to alternative suppliers like Russia or China. Highlighted Government efforts in addressing the conflict through diplomatic and humanitarian means.

I am concerned about the £6.8 billion-worth of arms export licences approved to Saudi Arabia since the war began in Yemen, resulting in deaths and humanitarian catastrophe. I urge the Government to rethink their policy on arms sales.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a result of the UK's complicity in war crimes through arms trade with Saudi Arabia. BAE Systems has sold £17.6 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia since 2015, and despite a temporary embargo on new arms licences, sales continued vigorously last year.

The Government's profiteering from the war in Yemen has led to severe cuts in humanitarian aid spending, affecting millions of people who need urgent food and healthcare. Over 100,000 people have died due to disease and famine.

Yemen is facing its sixth year of conflict with millions displaced and suffering. The UK should cancel all arms sales to Saudi Arabia, following President Biden's example, and preserve human life.

The situation in Yemen is devastating, with 233,000 people killed by the war, blockade, food shortages, and disease. The UK Government has licensed arms exports worth over £1.65 billion to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the second half of 2020. The decision to slash humanitarian aid to Yemen is disgraceful as 16 million people live in food insecurity and nearly 50,000 face famine conditions.

Critiqued the Saudi-led conflict in Yemen, noting over 100,000 deaths since 2015, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Called for an end to UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia as a step towards peace and humanitarian relief.