Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions he has had with his Egyptian counterpart on the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

We are working with allies and partners to safeguard maritime security and navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea.

In December, the Foreign Secretary visited Egypt with Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon. They discussed the Red Sea crisis with President Sisi. The Defence Secretary also spoke with his counterpart, General Zaki, in January.

Prior to strikes on Houthi targets, we engaged extensively with regional partners to deter Houthi threats, and to ensure freedom of navigation and safe passage in the Red Sea. We continue to work with our allies and partners to safeguard maritime security and navigation rights and freedoms in the Red Sea. It is in all our interests to work together to de-escalate tensions in the region. We continue to pursue all diplomatic routes.