Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the likelihood and scale of food shortages in Yemen as a result of conflict in that country.

Food security for the people of Yemen is a growing concern. According to the UN, of the 12.9 million Yemenis classified as food insecure, 6 million are facing severe food shortages. In Hodeidah city alone, UNICEF has warned that 96,000 severely malnourished children are at risk of dying. The ongoing conflict has affected imports of essential fuel, food and medical supplies into Yemen. In addition, ongoing fighting is preventing the distribution of food to those who most need it.

The UK is one of the largest donors to the crisis in Yemen and has announced £55 million to help at least half a million Yemenis caught in this conflict. This is providing vital medical supplies, water, food and emergency shelter.