On January 9th, the Houthis launched an assault on British and American naval vessels, following previous attacks on civilian ships. This was described as “the most significant attack on the Royal Navy in many years,” according to a statement.
He claims that the UK, along with the US, responded in self-defense and to protect freedom of navigation, as has been customary for Britain.
I carefully consider the use of force and do not take it lightly. This is why I emphasize that this action was taken in self-defense. It was controlled and not intended to escalate.
It was a justified and balanced reaction to an immediate danger posed to UK ships and ultimately to the UK as a whole.
According to him, the initial evaluation indicates that all 13 intended targets were effectively struck by the airstrikes. Furthermore, he reports no signs of harm to civilians. He assures that extensive precautions were taken to prevent any harm to them.
According to him, by safeguarding global shipping, the UK is abiding by international regulations.
According to him, the Houthis’ assaults on global shipping have endangered innocent individuals. They have also held a crew captive for almost 60 days and are causing significant economic turmoil. It is impossible for global trade to function normally under these circumstances. As a result, containers and tankers are being forced to take a 5,000-mile detour around the Cape of Good Hope.
According to him, this is causing prices to increase and limiting consumers’ ability to obtain necessary goods.
He argues that individuals should reject the harmful belief that this is solely concerning the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Instead, he claims it is primarily about safeguarding shipping.
UPDATE: Sunak said:
We must not believe the harmful story promoted by the Houthis that this is solely about Israel and Gaza. They attack ships from various countries.
We are constantly striving for a lasting peace agreement in Gaza and providing more assistance to civilians. Additionally, we are actively promoting a peaceful resolution to the civil war in Yemen.
However, I want to make it clear that this action is completely separate from those concerns.
This is a direct reaction to the Houthis’ assaults on global shipping.
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3.42pm.)
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Sunak stated that his administration is prepared to disregard injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that prevent deportation flights to Rwanda. He made this statement prior to the upcoming votes on the Rwanda bill in the House of Commons tomorrow and on Wednesday. This was an effort to ease concerns from Conservative Members of Parliament who argue that the current version of the bill does not clearly state that these injunctions will be disregarded. This is just one example of several issues where conservative individuals are pushing for tougher measures in the bill. However, it has been reported that No 10 is against making significant changes to the bill. (See 2.31pm.)
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Keir Starmer has advised members of the Labour party to disregard a recent poll predicting a landslide victory and instead maintain a fighting spirit as if they were 5% behind. (Refer to 12.26pm.) Labour’s national campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, also emphasized this message in a post on X.
According to PA Media, Northern Ireland has issued a warning that the scheduled mass strike on Thursday will significantly affect services in the region.
The CEOs of the five hospital trusts and the Northern Ireland ambulance service warned that the disturbance will be of an immense and never-before-seen level. The best possible outcome would be a service comparable to that of Christmas Day.
Employees in Northern Ireland are requesting for a salary increase that has been granted to their colleagues in other parts of the UK to also be implemented in their region.
On Thursday, health workers will join 15 trade unions in a public sector strike in Northern Ireland, which will also involve education and civil service employees. This will be the biggest strike in the region’s history.
Later this week, the Stormont assembly will be reconvened in an attempt to pass a motion supporting equitable pay agreements for employees in the public sector.
Sinn Féin’s recall petition was successful in obtaining the necessary 30 signatures from MLAs. However, past efforts to revive the assembly have been unsuccessful due to the DUP’s refusal to appoint a speaker at the beginning of sessions. The DUP has been abstaining from power sharing for nearly two years in opposition to the Northern Ireland protocol.
The UK government provided a £3.3 billion plan in December to improve financial stability in Northern Ireland, which also includes £600 million for resolving public sector salary demands. However, this is contingent upon the reinstatement of the Stormont institutions.
The political parties in Northern Ireland are urging Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to promptly release the funds for public sector pay increases. However, the Northern Ireland Office has stated that he does not have the power to negotiate pay in the region, as it is under the jurisdiction of the Stormont parties.
Today, Heaton-Harris met with leaders from Northern Ireland and afterwards, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of the DUP stated that Heaton-Harris should raise public sector wages. Donaldson also mentioned that the Secretary of State does not require a functioning Stormont to utilize the temporary powers granted to them for this purpose.
Michelle O’Neill, the leader of Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland and the designated first minister, expressed concern about the DUP’s refusal to participate in power-sharing discussions regarding Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol, stating that it is becoming more and more difficult to sustain.
The BBC has an informative live blog with further updates on the events of today’s discussions available here.
The Houthis have agreed to a ceasefire.
The leader of the Labour party stated that there are approximately 17 million individuals in Yemen suffering from hunger. Where is the all-inclusive strategy from western countries to promote peace in the region?
Sunak is optimistic about the situation. As the UK and other countries work to weaken the influence of harmful individuals in the region, it will create room for constructive perspectives.
According to him, the UK is giving assistance in the area and aiding 100,000 individuals per month.
According to him, the ongoing assaults on shipping are causing disruptions in the delivery of food to Yemen.
UPDATE: Corbyn said:
Instead of continuously supplying weapons and funds to multiple conflicts, which will only escalate the situation, does [Sunak] have any optimism for a future where there is a decrease in conflict rather than the current rapid rise?
In response, Sunak said:
I remain optimistic because both we and others are actively working to weaken and hinder the abilities of those who are causing harm in the area. This will create an opportunity for positive leaders to promote peace and for all individuals to coexist with respect, safety, and equal opportunities.
The Houthis are involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
The Houthis, as well as Israel and Gaza.
The Houthis disregard the airstrikes.
According to him, the Prime Minister must be willing to openly state his level of commitment.
According to him, there is a potential for increased conflict. He believes that a truce in Gaza is necessary for maintaining stability in the region.
He believes the Commons should have been called back, as that is what the public wanted. He suggests that the Prime Minister should improve in handling similar situations in the future.
Source: theguardian.com
