Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help prevent regional escalation in the Middle East.

The UK continues to seek the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. We are employing the full range of our diplomatic and security efforts, working with allies and international partners to counter groups seeking to undermine the region's peace, stability and prosperity. Prior to our strike on Houthi targets, we had been engaging extensively with regional partners. We continue to do this. It is in all our interests to work together to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The Foreign Secretary has discussed developments in the Red Sea with key interlocutors. He has spoken several times with the Iranian Foreign Minister, most recently on 17 January, making it clear that Iran bears responsibility for the actions of groups it has long supported, and that it has a role in actively restraining its aligned groups.

Our aim has always been to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea. Military action was a last resort and was taken in self-defence, fully in line with international law and in response to a persistent threat.