Action Against Houthi Maritime Attacks

Stephen Timms Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd January 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I disagree with the hon. Gentleman, and we disagree with what South Africa has brought to the ICJ and do not believe that it is helpful. I also disagree with him that those two things are linked. The Houthis have carried out attacks on multiple ships from different countries, many of which have nothing to do with the situation in Israel and Gaza. As the Government of Yemen themselves have pointed out, the attacks have nothing to do with that situation, which the Houthis are using as propaganda for their own selfish ends.

[Sir Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab)]

The Prime Minister has referred to the international support for the actions in the Red sea, but why have only US and UK forces actually taken part in them?

[The Prime Minister]

We also received support from Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Bahrain in these strikes, as we did last time. I point the right hon. Gentleman to the statements that have been put out previously by over a dozen countries, including New Zealand, Korea, Singapore and others, and also to the UN Security Council resolution from 10 January, which was unequivocal in condemning the Houthi attacks and acknowledging the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks.