British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated on Monday that the United Kingdom will not hesitate to protect security and free navigation in international trade if Houthis target merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Prime Minister spoke to Members of Parliament shortly after a missile struck a US-flagged cargo vessel about 200 kilometers from the Yemeni coast. Officials from CENTCOM confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities in the incident, though it heightened regional tensions.
That attack came days after renewed air strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom on Houthi military targets. Early assessments suggested thirteen targets in the plan were struck successfully. The Prime Minister emphasized that there had been no confirmed civilian casualties so far, noting that every effort would be made to avoid them. He told MPs that diplomatic channels had been exhausted and urged the Houthis to halt attacks while reaffirming that international condemnation would accompany such actions.
While some attributed the surge in assaults to the broader Israel and Gaza conflict, Sunak urged caution against oversimplifying the link. He warned that tying every action against the Houthis to the situation in Gaza would simply feed the rhetoric of adversaries and could escalate regional instability. He pointed to Iran as a primary driver behind the Houthi operations in the Red Sea.
Parliamentary support
Sunak did not outline a timetable for possible additional strikes, but he affirmed that the government possessed the authority to act and enjoyed broad parliamentary backing. The Prime Minister indicated that the support extended to the opposition leadership, and he acknowledged concerns among some MPs about the potential for further tensions and the impact on one of the world’s most vital maritime routes. Citizens could see consequences in higher food prices and medicine costs as trade routes face disruption.
Officials stressed that the Houthis have endangered international shipping and held civilian sailors hostage for extended periods, increasing economic strain by hindering the flow of goods. The Royal Navy will continue to operate in the region to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international maritime law, ensuring safer passage for commercial vessels and humanitarian shipments alike.