- Cabinet discusses military action
- Concerns over Houthi attacks
- Possible strikes, no decision
Tonight at 7:45 p.m., Rishi Sunak was scheduled to address the entire cabinet on a call believed to concern military operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Tonight’s complete cabinet meeting, presided over by Rishi Sunak, is rumored to include discussions of British and American military strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen in retaliation for attacks in the Red Sea.
Senior individuals, including Foreign Secretary David Cameron, entered Downing Street at 7:45 p.m. to prepare for the meeting.
Shadow defense secretary John Healey and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle may receive briefings after the contact. Sir Keir Starmer was observed arriving at the Cabinet Office.
It follows this morning’s emergency COBRA meeting and President al-Sisi’s phone call with Mr. Sunak.
Rising Tensions in Red Sea
The leaders reportedly deliberated on the alarming increase in Houthi assaults against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the resulting disruption to international shipping, including through the Suez Canal, according to Downing Street.
A spokesperson said the prime minister said the UK would defend freedom of navigation and save lives at sea.
Houthi raids in the Red Sea, including one on a commercial vessel, have exacerbated concerns regarding the potential escalation of hostilities in a region already impacted by the Gaza Strip conflict.
On Tuesday, a British warship intercepted seven Houthi-backed drones as US forces repelled the largest drone and missile attack.
The assault occurred despite a warning issued a week ago by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies to the group, urging them to cease their targeting of commercial shipping or face “responsibility for the consequences.”
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said “enough is enough” and accused Iran of involvement, suggesting the UK may attack.
Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the prolonged Houthi attacks in the Red Sea would have “repercussions.”
A statement from Downing Street is not anticipated for tonight; however, the late-night cabinet discussion indicates an imminent military engagement.
The Americans have undoubtedly presented various options.
Sam Coates stated, “Downing Street has not formally explained the reason for this call. However, cabinet meetings are typically convened abruptly during moments of national significance.”
Sir William Patey, a former ambassador to multiple Middle Eastern nations, added, “An emergency cabinet meeting is only convened when a military response is under consideration.
Clearly, the United States has presented us with military options and extended an invitation to participate.
Given that the Houthis have disregarded warnings to cease their attacks on shipping, Sir William stated that it is “not very feasible” to continue intercepting drones “in the long term.”
He expressed confidence that the United States, the United Kingdom, and other members of the international coalition will deliberate on the viability of striking targets within Houthi-held territory in Yemen.
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He admitted that finding viable targets—bases from which missiles are fired or stored—has been difficult.
Although no decision has been made, prominent foreign select committee chief Alicia Kearns has said she would back strikes.
“The situation is no longer tenable”
The senior Conservative member of parliament stated, “The state of affairs in the Red Sea is untenable at this time.”
As a coercive effort to reestablish deterrence and eliminate the threat to merchant and naval vessels, air strikes that are plainly and precisely articulated as limited activity in direct response to the escalating threat to freedom of navigation might be proportionate.
However, veteran left-wing MP John McDonnell said military action should not be used “without parliamentary approval”.
“If recent years have taught us anything, it is that military intervention in the Middle East is invariably fraught with peril and frequently unanticipated repercussions,” he continued. The region is at risk of being ignited.
In addition, the Liberal Democrats demanded that the prime minister reschedule parliament “if strikes are scheduled prior to Monday.”
It appears, however, that the government is not obligated to take this action.
Legislators having a say in military action?
At present, the authority to deploy the Armed Forces is a prerogative power. Therefore, should the government choose to initiate strikes, there would be no need for a vote on the matter.
It has been customary to conduct one since the Iraq War. In 2013, parliamentarians opposed military intervention in Syria in a landmark sanction debate.
The convention, however, is subject to interpretation. The Syrian regime’s chemical weapons facilities were subjected to military action in April 2018 without the involvement of parliament. The government in power at the time provided justification for its actions by invoking humanitarian considerations.
