UK Prime Minister: Attacks on Houthis were necessary

Sunak briefed lawmakers in the House of Commons on the US and UK airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

Noting that the decision for the airstrikes against the Houthis came after numerous attacks on commercial vessels, Sunak said, "Since November 19, the Iran-backed Houthis have carried out over 25 illegal and unacceptable attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea."

Recalling that attacks were carried out on US and British warships on January 9, Sunak stated, "The attack they carried out on our ships and sailors was the largest attack on the Royal Navy in decades, and we took action."

Sunak used the phrase, "We did this in self-defense," regarding the strikes.

Emphasizing that his country acted in accordance with the United Nations Charter and attaches importance to freedom of navigation, Sunak noted that Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands also supported the airstrikes carried out by the US and the UK.

Sunak also stated that the strikes were kept limited, adding that they aimed to destroy the Houthis' offensive capabilities.

Stating that 13 intended targets were hit, Sunak noted that 9 buildings as well as rocket launch ramps were struck, and that there was no evidence of civilian casualties.

Stating that there was no time to bring the matter to Parliament, Sunak explained that figures such as the Speaker of the House and the leader of the opposition were informed.

Stating that the action taken was not an attempt to escalate tensions, Sunak assessed, "It was a proportionate and necessary intervention against a direct threat to British ships and therefore to the UK itself."

Sunak noted that the Houthis were carrying out attacks that would harm the world economy, while stating that ships avoiding the attacks were forced to choose longer routes, which increases prices.

Noting that attempts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels had failed, Sunak said:

"We should not fall for malicious narratives that this is about Israel and Gaza. We support a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid for civilians. We support a negotiated solution in the Yemeni civil war. Our decision has nothing to do with these issues. It is a direct response to the Houthis' attacks on international merchant ships. We must also know that failing to act undermines international security and law. It harms freedom of navigation and the global economy."

Sunak added that the Houthi attacks were also worsening the humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Opposition supported the strikes, criticized the lack of consultation with parliament

Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, also condemned the Houthi attacks in his speech, stating, "The Labour Party supports this targeted action to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea."

Stating that the Houthi attacks were illegal and unacceptable, Starmer said, "If there is no response, it could lead to increases in the prices of basic food products going to the world's poorest countries."

Starmer also criticized the fact that the decision for intervention was implemented before being brought to parliament, asking Prime Minister Sunak, "Does he stand by the parliamentary convention that the government's military interventions should be brought to this house?"

Sunak replied that he stood by the convention and would always try to follow the appropriate processes and procedures.

Liberal Democrat Party leader Ed Davey also stated that the Middle East was already under enough tension due to Israel's attacks on Gaza, saying, "Although they did not approve this matter in the House, the Liberal Democrats support the targeted strikes against the Houthis."

"We will not hesitate to protect our security and interests when necessary"

Stephen Flynn, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the UK parliament, asked Sunak, "How far will the UK go?"

In response to this question, Sunak replied, "We will not hesitate to protect our security and interests when necessary, and since I believe we did so in this case, we will of course follow the correct procedures."

Flynn also added that an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is of vital importance for regional stability in the Middle East.

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, in his question, stated that civilians in Gaza and Yemen have to struggle with the effects of famine and bombardment, asking, "Do Western states have an inclusive plan for the region other than sending more weapons and more money to conflict zones for an inclusive peace?"

Sunak, in his response where he mentioned the amount of aid provided to Yemen, used the expressions, "Yemen is a country dependent on aid coming by sea, but the Houthi attacks are causing the humanitarian crisis to continue."

News Source: 12punto