Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Yemen Peace Process

03 November 2022 · 7 other contributors · 11,393 words

Opened by Flick Drummond Con Portsmouth South

Responding minister: David Rutley

UkraineForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Flick Drummond raised concerns about yemen peace process in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The right hon. Member for Walsall South and another MP were born in Yemen, expressing a personal connection to the country.
  • The six-month ceasefire brought a sharp drop in fighting, reducing child casualties by 34% and displacement by 60%.
  • The UK Government is urged to use its UN Security Council penholder role to facilitate the re-establishment of a truce and support ongoing peace efforts.

Key requests to Government

The Government should work with the UN to encourage flexibility from the Houthis on issues like road openings in Taiz and salary payments, thereby strengthening de-escalation mechanisms. The UK must continue its leading role in promoting peace and support Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council. Immediate action is needed to secure the transfer of oil from the FSO Safer to prevent environmental disaster. The Government is urged to utilise its penholder role at the UN Security Council to facilitate the re-establishment of a truce and support ongoing efforts towards an enduring political settlement in Yemen. Specific steps are requested regarding what actions the UK Government is taking in this regard.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Flick Drummond Con Portsmouth South

The right hon. Member for Walsall South and I were born in Yemen, expressing a long-standing personal connection to the country. The war is not merely a proxy conflict but an internal civil war with tribal and religious divisions. There has been political and economic marginalisation of different parts of Yemen's population over decades, leading to the current conflict. The six-month ceasefire has brought some relief, but it faces obstacles such as fuel shortages and humanitarian aid funding shortfalls. The UN special envoy's latest proposal for a formal ceasefire and inclusive political talks has not been accepted by the Houthis. The conflict in Yemen has led to thousands of civilian deaths, famine affecting millions of lives, and acute food insecurity for 16.2 million people. The six-month truce that ended on 2 October brought about a sharp drop in fighting, with a 34% reduction in child casualties and a 60% drop in displacement. However, the failure to renew the truce has raised concerns about a resurgence of violence and further suffering for ordinary Yemenis.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alyn Smith SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Smith expressed appreciation for thoughtful contributions and the complexity of Yemen's conflict, avoiding easy answers. He questioned whether the Stockholm agreement remains the best mechanism to restart peace talks and urged for higher aid amounts post-covid, particularly given the impact of the Ukraine war on grain supplies to Yemen. Smith also called for a suspension of arms sales to Saudi Arabia pending a more thorough investigation.

  • Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

    Stewart discussed the historical significance of Yemen to British interests, noting its importance as a strategic port and its role in the British Empire. He highlighted the current state of conflict and poverty in Yemen, mentioning over 370,000 deaths due to war and famine. Stewart emphasized Britain's responsibility for drafting UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and supporting Saudi-led efforts under international law. He intervened to ask who is responsible for mass murders and rapes in Yemen, attributing it primarily to the Houthis.

  • Claudia Webbe Ind West Ham

    She criticized the UK Government's stance on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and urged them to ban such sales. She also called for the restoration of UN investigations into war crimes in Yemen.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon expressed deep concerns about the persecution of religious minorities in Yemen, particularly Christians. He highlighted the mistreatment and discrimination faced by converts from Islam, as well as the arbitrary arrests and harassment aimed at preventing the free exercise of their rights. Shannon also noted that 95% of Christians in Yemen are converts from Islam and emphasized the importance of fair distribution of humanitarian aid without discrimination based on religious background.

  • John Spellar Lab Warley

    The hon. Lady seems to be implying that there are only allegations of Iranian involvement with the Houthis, whereas the Iranian regime is absolutely up to its neck in this, stimulating and providing massive amounts of material. The Houthi attacks would not be successful without the destructive and disruptive behaviour of the Iranian regime.

  • Khalid Mahmood Lab Birmingham, Perry Barr

    He discussed significant human rights abuses in Yemen by the Houthis and the sacrifices made by coalition forces, particularly the UAE. He expressed a need to support regional management for stability and peace negotiations, emphasizing engagement with people involved in the conflict.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich

    Ms Vaz highlighted the importance of drawing attention to Yemen's ongoing conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis with over 370,000 deaths due to war-related causes. She mentioned that fewer than half of health facilities are functioning and many internally displaced people require aid. She called for an immediate ceasefire and implementation of the Stockholm agreement. Welcomed the Minister, recalling their previous work together. Raised concerns about freedom of religion in Yemen, mentioning her personal experiences with religious practices. Asked if the UK would host a peace conference to bring all parties together for aid to Yemen.

Government Response

David Rutley

The Minister acknowledged the contributions of MPs and highlighted progress under the truce, such as the reopening of Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port. He expressed disappointment in the Houthis' refusal to extend the truce and condemned recent attacks on essential infrastructure. Rutley detailed UK support for UN efforts and initiatives aimed at facilitating a political settlement. The UK contributed over £1 billion to humanitarian aid, provided technical support for the Safer tanker issue, and supported local initiatives through its conflict, stability and security fund.

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