No Decision On 'Sustained Campaign' Against Houthis-PM Sunak

Speaking in the House of Commons following the second set of joint US-UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, PM Rishi Sunak says, in response to a question from Defence Select Committee chair Jeremy Quin, that "no decision has been taken to embark on a sustained campaign...these were limited strikes". In his statement to the House, Sunak stated that the strikes were carried out "in line with international law, in self-defence, and in response to an immediate threat".

• The gov'ts actions continue to have broad support across Commons, with Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer saying that his Labour party backs the strikes, and that the House “must stand united and strong”.
• Based on the statement it would appear that the UK will continue to take part in airstrikes on Houthi targets alongside the US. It remains to be seen whether the strikes remain sporadic or whether the US-led grouping adopts a more concerted bombing campaign.
• Sunak was keen to stress that the UK and US are seeking to broaden the coalition against the Houthi attacks on shipping in and around the Red Sea, and that they are pursuing diplomatic and economic paths as well as a military one in countering the Houthi actions.
• Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will travel to the Middle East later in the week, both to assess the situation vis-a-vis the Houthis, but also to take stock of the situation in Gaza amid Israel's continued assault on Hamas in the strip.