Senior SNP figures urge PM to recall Parliament over Red Sea
Senior SNP politicians have joined calls to recall Parliament if the UK Government is preparing to take military action against Houthi rebels before Monday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is holding a full Cabinet call on Thursday evening amid mounting speculation that UK and Western allies could take action against Houthi rebels following attacks in the Red Sea.
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf called for Westminster to be recalled, stating that the UK does not have a good record of military intervention in the Middle East. He emphasized the need for MPs to be briefed and allowed to debate any decision related to military action proposed by the UK Government. Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, also supported the call for MPs to be recalled, describing the situation in the Red Sea as complex and serious.
In response to the escalating situation, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, shadow defence secretary John Healey, and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle were all expected to be briefed after the Cabinet call.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned the Houthi rebels of potential consequences if the disruption in the key global shipping route continues. He stressed that the UK and its allies will not tolerate further attacks. Shapps also implicated Iran, stating that the Houthis were acting with Iranian support.
The Royal Navy, along with US naval forces, recently destroyed multiple attack drones deployed by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. However, the possibility of further action remains uncertain.
The UK and its allies are determined to protect the freedom of navigation and safeguard lives at sea. As tensions rise, it is crucial for Parliament to be apprised of the situation and for MPs to have the opportunity to scrutinize and debate any potential military action.
The developments in the Red Sea have raised concerns globally, particularly regarding the disruption of the key global shipping route. The Houthis, a Shiite group with control over Yemen’s capital since 2014, have claimed that their attacks are in response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
The action taken by the UK, alongside its allies, indicates a firm stance against the Houthis and their perceived destabilizing actions. The repelling of the recent attack serves as a deterrent, sending a message that further attacks will not be tolerated.
The UK Government has emphasized its commitment to protecting innocent lives and the global economy. The situation in the Red Sea remains fluid, and the UK and its allies will continue to monitor and evaluate the appropriate response to ensure commercial shipping is safeguarded and the region is not further destabilized.
As tensions escalate in the Red Sea, parallels are being drawn to previous military interventions in the Middle East. This has sparked concerns among senior SNP figures and highlighted the need for parliamentary oversight and democratic decision-making processes before any military action is pursued.
The call for Parliament to be recalled reflects the desire for transparency, accountability, and thorough deliberation in matters of national security and potential military engagement. The complexities and seriousness of the situation necessitate careful consideration and wide-ranging discussions among MPs.
The global community is closely watching how the UK and its allies respond to the challenges in the Red Sea. The actions taken in the coming days and weeks will not only impact the stability of the region but also shape perceptions of the UK’s approach to international conflicts and military interventions.
