UK to provide Saudi Arabia with 'defensive' military support, says Burnham

UK Defence Secretary Burnham announced that Britain will provide defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need to safeguard vital Red Sea shipping lanes. Speaking to reporters travelling with him to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham linked the decision to ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures and the imperative to protect British and regional interests. "I spell backmost to the constituent I made astir cost-of-living pressures and acting to unafraid the interests of Britain and the wider region," helium said. He noted that Saudi Arabia faces attacks and anticipates further disruption, requiring the UK to keep key maritime routes open. "Because of people Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attacks, is looking astatine imaginable further disruption, and we request to support those pathways open, and hence our statement to the request." Shipping routes through the Red Sea constitute a critical artery of the global economy. The Houthis recently seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a gateway to the Red Sea utilized by Saudi Arabia. In a BBC interview last week, NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte hinted that European support for Saudi Arabia was likely. He said: "I would not beryllium amazed if immoderate telephone calls were taking spot betwixt European allies, 'hey, however are we going to woody with this?'. "Let's spot what happens, and if Nato tin help, we volition ever beryllium helpful." Energy Minister Martin McCluskey told MPs earlier this week that the UK is "providing aerial defence support" to Saudi Arabia through existing defence arrangements, though he declined to elaborate on operational details. In January 2024, the UK joined the US successfully launching aerial strikes against Houthi targets across Yemen. Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK "acted successfully self-defence" pursuing the Houthis' targeting of ships, including a Royal Navy warship. He besides said the strikes were "necessary, proportionate, and targeted" to support lives and commercialized shipping. Further associated aerial strikes from the UK and US followed successfully 2024, external.