Saudi Arabia: RAF Support

Mark Sewards Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

There was a multiplicity of questions within that question. First, on why a statement on the deployment was not made, I have made it clear that the strategic parameters were set out by the Prime Minister and that the deployment was laid out by the Secretary of State. I am pleased to be here to talk about the extension of an existing deployment; this is not anything new. With regards to the word “defence”, the right hon. Gentleman, my neighbouring MP, as a gallant person with a significant military background, will understand that a layered air defence system is exactly that, and defensive counter air is a capability. We are not conducting strikes and there is no capability to conduct strikes. We are not seeking to present that in any other way.

[Mark Sewards (Leeds South West and Morley) (Lab)]

Thank you for granting the urgent question, Mr Speaker. For what it is worth, I support the Government’s decision to deploy this defensive operation against the Houthis. The Minister will be aware that Britain’s former ambassador to Yemen has called for proscription of the Houthis, and I absolutely agree with him on that. That would allow us to criminalise fundraising and support for the Houthis and disrupt any operations on UK soil as well as freeze their assets. What conversations has he had with his counterparts in the Home Office about proscribing the Iranian-backed threat that is the Houthis?

[Mr Bailey]

I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks and his concern for Yemen. It is important that we remember the reason for these measures is to seek a ceasefire and allow the United Nations to provide humanitarian support to the people in Yemen. We do not comment on future measures, but we are considering all options. I can offer my hon. Friend a meeting with the Minister of State in the FCDO, my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty).