The UK strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

"I'd like to make three points.

First, the UK, like our briefers, strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. 

They have led to the tragic loss of life of innocent mariners. 

They undermine maritime security and global trade, and pose a significant risk to the environment.

The UK remains committed to countering the threat posed by the Houthis and restoring freedom of navigation.  

We will continue to work with partners and support the Special Envoy in a coordinated international approach to achieve these goals.

Moreover, the Houthis' continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen is a clear violation of the arms embargo, as implemented by resolution 2216. 

The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism is critical to ensure compliance with the arms embargo and prevent smuggling of illicit arms. 

So the UK calls on the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance with the arms embargo, disrupt the illegal weapons flow and support the critical role of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, in this regard.

Second, as USG Fletcher reminded us and Ms Nasser too, Yemen is experiencing a significant deterioration in food security. 

The FAO's Integration Food Security Phase Classification for Yemen notes, as USG Fletcher said, that the number of Yemenis experiencing food insecurity is predicted to rise by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million of assistance to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis, and to support the Government of Yemen's economic reforms to design a more coherent and coordinated response. 

As others have said, the Houthis' continued arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers are undermining efforts to meet the needs of Yemenis.

The UK condemns these unjustified detentions. 

And I reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

Finally, President, Yemenis have suffered for far too long a toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions. 

Now is the time to redouble our efforts towards an inclusive and sustainable peace. 

The UK remains committed to supporting the UN Special Envoy's work to deliver this."