An RAF jet will be deployed to help Saudi Arabia with its war against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, Andy Burnham said last night.
The Prime Minister said he had agreed that the Saudi Air Force would be supported by an RAF A400M Voyager to aid with refuelling during its conflict with the Houthis.
It is the first time Mr Burnham has deployed a RAF jet to assist another country militarily in a fresh conflict zone since he became Prime Minister two months ago.
It comes days after Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen said they carried out drone and ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh, the capital of the desert kingdom.
The PM took the action last night after advice from Wes Streeting, the Defence Secretary, and Ed Miliband, the Foreign Secretary.
The RAF jet will begin missions with the Saudi military for a limited period in the coming weeks, GB News understands.
Mr Burnham was asked by reporters en route to a meeting of the United Nations in New York City if he had considered a request from the Saudis for military assistance against the Houthis.
He replied: “We have received a request from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for military support, and on the advice of the Defence Secretary and the Foreign Secretary, last night I agreed to that request for defensive air-to-air refuelling.”
It is the first time Mr Burnham has deployed a RAF jet to assist another country militarily
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PA
Mr Burnham said he had taken the action due to concerns about “cost of living pressures and acting to secure the interests of Britain and the wider region”.
He pointed out that “because of course Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attack, is looking at potential further disruption, we need to keep those pathways open, and hence our agreement to the request.”
Britain already has a military presence in Saudi Arabia, with around 100 personnel supporting the kingdom’s air defences.
The UK also deployed its Sky Sabre missile system to Saudi Arabia earlier this year as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s wider air defence network.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni Government is unsuccessfully fighting the Houthis on the ground | REUTERS
The system is designed to intercept a range of threats, including fighter aircraft, drones and guided bombs, and can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
The latest move comes after the UK previously carried out airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in April last year.
Those strikes targeted what the Government described as a “cluster of buildings” used by the group to manufacture attack drones.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia from neighbouring Yemen in recent days, with missile and drone attacks injuring people in the kingdom’s south.
The UK has previously said Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its security and sovereignty in accordance with international law.
The Government has also said it remains committed to working with regional partners to support stability and protect civilians.