Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Nokes Excerpts

Tuesday 30th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

What recent assessment the Government have made of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen.

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

What recent assessment the Government have made of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen.

[Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab)]

What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on securing a permanent ceasefire in Yemen.

--- Later in debate ---

[Caroline Nokes]

There is an urgent and desperate need to continue to work to prevent hunger and suffering in Yemen. Please will my right hon. Friend reassure me that the prioritisation of covid, which is absolutely essential, will not come at the expense of some of the world’s most vulnerable people?

[James Cleverly]

I completely agree that the UK’s response to coronavirus is important, but we have not allowed it to distract us from the important international work. I recently announced considerable funding support for the humanitarian work in Yemen. As I say, I have had extensive conversations with parties right across the board, and indeed with regional countries, to support the Saudi ceasefire and encourage the Houthis also to engage with that ceasefire. We will maintain our responsibility —we will match our responsibility to the people of Yemen, and I can absolutely guarantee that that will continue under this Government.