Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Yemen strikes sent ‘strong signal’ to Houthis – Sunak
THE UK and US bombing of military facilities used by Houthi rebels in Yemen, sent a “strong signal” that the militants’ attacks in the Red Sea cannot be carried out with “impunity”, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
The airstrikes sparked concerns over a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East amid warnings of retaliation from Houthi leaders.
Experts warned there is “certainly a risk of wider conflict in the region” and that promised retaliation by the Iran-backed group could push Western powers into engaging beyond targeted and contained strikes.
The Prime Minister insisted the US and UK acted “in self-defence” and that allies would not hesitate to ensure the safety of commercial shipping.
On a visit to Ukraine, he told broadcasters there has been a significant increase in the number of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea which put lives at risk, disrupted the global economy and destabilised the region.
“Now it’s clear that that type of behaviour can’t carry on. That’s why we joined with allies in issuing very public condemnation of this behaviour. And it’s why I made the decision with allies to take what I believe to be necessary, proportionate and targeted action against military targets to degrade and disrupt Houthi capability. We won’t hesitate to protect lives and ensure the safety of commercial shipping.”
He added: “We need to send a strong signal that this breach of international law is wrong.
“People can’t act like this with impunity and that’s why together with allies we’ve decided to take this
action.” Asked about fears of regional escalation, the PM insisted the aim was to “de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the region”, with allies having acted when calls for the Houthis to desist were disregarded.
He said: “We have acted in selfdefence. It’s incumbent now on the Houthis to stop carrying out these attacks.”
Mr Sunak is set to make a statement to MPs on Monday about the strikes against the Houthis amid calls for greater consultation in Parliament.
He played down concerns that MPs should have been consulted before the military action, saying he chaired Cobra and Cabinet meetings on Thursday and briefed Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey.
Labour is “fully supportive” of the action needed to stop Houthi attacks, Sir Keir said. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy was in Beirut calling for the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and the prevention of the conflict extending further into Lebanon. Liberal
Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party was “minded” to support the Government’s military action, but believed in the “principle” of parliamentary consultation before such intervention is taken.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he was “happy to facilitate” a recall of Parliament “at any time”, but requests by the Government to do so are rare.
The Government said the military intervention “was lawful” and “the only feasible means available to deal with such attacks”.