Rishi Sunak to address MPs about strikes on Houthis in Yemen

Rishi Sunak had previously played down concerns that he had failed to consult Parliament before the military action

The prime minister said the government would "not hesitate" to protect security in the Red Sea as he prepares to address MPs in his first statement since the UK began strikes in Yemen.

On Thursday night, the UK and US bombed more than a dozen sites used by Houthi rebels as part of a massive retaliatory strike following a spate of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since late last year.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Rishi Sunak said his aim is to "de-escalate tensions in the region and actually restore stability back to the area."

But claims that there were an "escalating series of attacks from the Houthis on commercial shipping", including an attack on a Royal Navy warship.

"That’s unacceptable. It’s right that we took proportionate, targeted action against military targets to send a strong message that that behaviour is unacceptable," Mr Sunak said.

“It was a last resort, it came after the end of exhaustive diplomatic activity including a UN Security Council.

"Now, I think it is encumberment on the Houthis to recognise the international condemnation for what they are doing and desist. But we, of course, will not hesitate to protect our security where required.”

Mr Sunak had previously played down concerns that he had failed to consult Parliament before the military action.

His defence was that he chaired Cobra and Cabinet meetings on the day of the attack and briefed Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey.

The strikes were the first course of military intervention under Mr Sunak's premiership, meaning he will likely face thorough interrogation over his decision.

Some of the key questions that are expected are plans for future attacks in Yemen and the governments wider plans to avoid regional escalation of conflict.

While the US and the UK have denied stoking tensions in the Middle East, it demonstrates the undeniable fallout of the Israel-Hamas war.

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The response to the attack will be the biggest indication of what the air strikes have triggered, with Houthis currently vowing to retaliate.

After the first strikes, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations received a report of a missile attack on a vessel off the coast of Aden, Yemen, on Friday afternoon.

Sir Keir Starmer, who previously expressed his support for the government's action, said Mr Sunak should say if he is proposing further action against Houthi rebels and “set out the case” for doing so."

The Labour leader said the merits of more military intervention would have to be considered on a “case-by-case” basis.

Labour supports the government’s action against Houthi rebels following a series of attacks in the Red Sea and has said sometimes when “urgent operational issues” arise it is “not possible” to have a vote in Parliament.

Sir Keir drew a distinction between urgent “one-off” operations and a “sustained campaign”, which he said would “require more process in Parliament”.

Over the weekend, Conservative MPs have also expressed support for Mr Sunak's move.

Lord Cameron told ITV News on Sunday: "What was necessary was to send a very clear message to the Houthis that these attacks are illegal and unacceptable and what we have done is use military action as a last result.

"We issued warning after warning including warnings via the United Nations Security Council and warnings in parliament and yet they continued to act and in many ways these attacks on ships got worse.

"It was necessary to act," he added. Lord Cameron went on to say that the "goal is to make sure that important maritime sea lanes remain open."

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