Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Keith Vaz

Wednesday 16th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swayne]

Peace talks began today, and yesterday a ceasefire commenced. I would urge all parties to observe the ceasefire. Her Majesty’s ambassador and DFID are in the margins of the peace conference affording what assistance they can.

[Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab)]

I welcome all the efforts that have been made by the Government, including the ceasefire, but the real problem is getting aid into Yemen. What can we do to raise the blockade?

[Mr Swayne]

We have invested £1.7 million in the UN vessel investigation mechanism. I hope that that will have a quantum effect on the number of vessels that are able to dock in the ports—60 last month, 55 the month before. It is getting better, but we are far, far short of what is necessary.