I share your concerns regarding the crisis in Yemen and the plight of the Yemeni people who are caught up in the conflict. It is often lost in the news that the UK is taking a lead amongst the international community in urging more to do be done to respond to the crisis, just as we are often one of the countries that uses our strong, global voice, to stand up for all of those who need it most. That, along with our substantial aid budget, is something that should make all of us proud.
Since the conflict began, the UK has committed just under £1bn of funding which has helped meet the immediate food needs of millions of Yemenis, treated thousands of children for malnutrition and provided over one million people with improved water supply and basic sanitation.
It is clear that there is no military solution to this conflict, and only a political settlement can bring long-term stability to Yemen and tackle the worsening humanitarian crisis. I have been assured that the UK is not a party to the military conflict as part of the Saudi-led coalition and until the Government retakes export license decisions in line with the Court of Appeal’s judgment, or a successful appeal against the judgment concludes, the Government is under an obligation not to grant any new licences to export items to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the conflict in Yemen.
The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to bring a peaceful solution to the appalling conflict in Yemen, fully supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Special Envoy’s peace plan.
I welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Saudi Arabia on 8 April, which has been extended, and it is more important than ever that all parties seize this opportunity for progress in Yemen. I will of course follow developments closely, and hope for a positive resolution.