I share constituents’ concern over the situation in Yemen and recognise the need to address the urgent humanitarian needs, in addition to working to bring about a political solution to the end of the conflict.
The situation for children is particularly concerning. At the end of last year, the UN reported that the number of people displaced internally in Yemen was 2.3 million; of those, the UN estimated that 21 per cent were boys under the age of 18, and 22 per cent were girls under the age of 18.
The UK is one of the largest donors to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and more than doubled its support over the last year to £85 million for 2015/16. UK aid is providing vital medical supplies, water, food and emergency shelter, including for internally displaced people and children, and has so far helped more than 1.3 million Yemenis.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and other senior officials are urging all parties to allow access for humanitarian and commercial shipping into Yemen's ports, as well as for aid on the ground. I have been pleased to see improved access lately, and add my voice to calls that this improvement is maintained and furthered.
The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes. All UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia are scrutinised in detail through established processes and against the EU and national consolidated criteria. This process takes account of all relevant information at the time of the application. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the UK Licensing Criteria. This includes if there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The Government is clear that a political solution remains the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen. I strongly believe that this is the case, and must be brought about in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The UK fully and actively supports the UN's efforts to achieve an end to this conflict.
The UK takes very seriously any allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and regularly raises the importance of compliance with the Saudi Government and other members of the military coalition. The UK Government has been clear that all allegations of such violations should be investigated.
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