Oral Answers to Questions

Ross Thomson Excerpts

Tuesday 4th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to support a peace process in Yemen.

[Ross Thomson (Aberdeen South) (Con)]

16. What steps he is taking to support a peace process in Yemen.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

21. What recent assessment he has made of the political and security situation in Yemen.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend speaks extremely wisely. There are 8.5 million people on the brink of starvation; 14,000 people are getting cholera every week; and 85,000 children have already died of starvation. That is why we have to do everything possible. Martin Griffiths is doing a fantastic and very difficult job.

[Ross Thomson]

Houthi rebels pushed the legitimate Government in Yemen from power, and they have fired Iranian-backed missiles across the border into neighbouring countries and commercial shipping lanes. Does my right hon. Friend agree that any vote in the US Senate to withdraw American support from the coalition would undermine efforts to reach a ceasefire?

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out that there can be no lasting settlement to the terrible conflict in Yemen unless Iranian missiles are prevented from being fired from Yemen into Saudi Arabia and even as far as Riyadh. That is why we must have a balanced way forward that recognises both the humanitarian needs and Saudi Arabian security.