Rishi Sunak Summoned by UK Lawmakers to Explain Involvement in US Strikes on Yemen’s Houthis
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the United Kingdom, has been summoned by UK lawmakers to provide an explanation regarding his alleged involvement in the United States’ recent strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The summons comes amidst growing concerns about the UK’s role in supporting military actions that have resulted in civilian casualties and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sanaa, and other major cities. The conflict escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, launched a military intervention to restore the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
The Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Iran, have been accused of human rights abuses and launching cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the Saudi-led coalition has faced widespread criticism for its indiscriminate airstrikes and blockades that have caused immense suffering for Yemeni civilians.
The United States has been providing support to the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and arms sales. However, recent reports suggest that the US has also directly conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. It is alleged that Rishi Sunak, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has played a role in facilitating these operations.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have expressed concerns about the UK’s involvement in the conflict and its potential violation of international law. The summons to Rishi Sunak aims to shed light on the extent of the UK’s participation and its compliance with legal obligations.
Critics argue that the UK’s support for the Saudi-led coalition contradicts its commitment to upholding human rights and international law. They argue that the indiscriminate airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties, including children, and have worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in what the United Nations has called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Millions of Yemenis are facing severe food shortages, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, leaving the population even more vulnerable.
The summons of Rishi Sunak is a significant step towards holding the UK government accountable for its actions in Yemen. Lawmakers are seeking answers about the extent of the UK’s involvement, including any financial support provided to the Saudi-led coalition and its compliance with international humanitarian law.
The UK government has defended its position by stating that it supports a political solution to the conflict and provides aid to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni civilians. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient and overshadowed by the UK’s military support for the Saudi-led coalition.
The outcome of Rishi Sunak’s appearance before lawmakers remains to be seen. However, this summons highlights the growing pressure on the UK government to reassess its role in the Yemen conflict and prioritize the protection of civilian lives. It also underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that can bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people.
