Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the President of the United States' statement on 4 February that the conflict in Yemen has created a "humanitarian and strategic catastrophe"; and what steps they are taking in partnership with the government of the United States (1) to press for an end to the conflict, and (2) to avoid further acute food and medicine shortages in Yemen.

Yemen remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with two thirds of the entire population, requiring some form of humanitarian assistance. The recent fighting during February and March has already displaced thousands of civilians, and many more are at risk. The UK is playing a leading role in responding to the crisis in Yemen by contributing over £1 billion to the humanitarian response and through our diplomatic influence.

The Government welcomes the focus of the US administration on Yemen. We are working closely with them, and newly appointed Special Envoy Lenderking in particular, to help make quick progress towards a nationwide ceasefire. The Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa spoke with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths on 1 March to discuss how the UK can best support the UN-led peace process. Ministers and officials regularly engage with all our international partners including the US to ensure life-saving humanitarian aid reaches the millions of Yemenis in need.