Burnham condemns Houthi attacks during a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledging stronger UK-Saudi defence ties, expanded trade and support for regional security, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed the UK’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security and pledged closer defence and trade cooperation during a telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, as tensions in the Red Sea continue to escalate following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
According to Downing Street, Burnham began the call by condemning recent attacks by Iran and the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, reiterating Britain’s support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and regional security.
The conversation came as Saudi Arabia faces renewed threats to its shipping interests after the Houthis announced plans to impose a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.
The two leaders also discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the importance of achieving a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine as the basis for lasting peace in the region.
Burnham used the conversation to underline Britain’s intention to deepen defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the recent appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth as the UK’s Defence Envoy to Saudi Arabia, describing the role as part of efforts to strengthen strategic collaboration between the two countries.
Trade also featured prominently in the discussions, with the Prime Minister expressing his commitment to expanding economic opportunities between the UK and Saudi Arabia to support growth and investment in both countries.
The leaders also looked ahead to 2027, when the UK and Saudi Arabia will mark the centenary of the Treaty of Jeddah, signed in 1927, which laid the foundations for diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister and wished the United Kingdom continued prosperity, while describing relations between the two countries as strong and longstanding.
The Crown Prince and Burnham reviewed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments, with particular focus on maritime security and stability in the Middle East.
During the conversation, Burnham strongly condemned Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, reaffirming Britain’s support for Saudi Arabia in protecting its territorial integrity and maritime interests.
The call took place against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in regional security.
Earlier this week, the Houthis declared a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping, significantly raising tensions in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
On Friday, the Saudi-owned vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage during an attack in the Red Sea but was able to continue its voyage after inspections confirmed the safety of both the ship and its crew.
Just two days earlier, another Saudi-owned vessel, Encelia, caught fire following a separate Houthi attack. No injuries were reported among the crew.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched what it described as a proportionate military operation against Houthi military positions in Yemen’s western Hodeidah governorate.
Yemeni government forces also carried out strikes on Houthi missile and drone launch sites, as well as weapons depots, in Marib and Al-Jawf, according to military officials.
The latest violence has raised fears over the future of the fragile truce that has largely held since 2022, despite its formal expiry. The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognised government has continued since 2014, causing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Saudi Arabia has said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its shipping and national interests while continuing to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
The attacks have also renewed international concerns over the security of the Red Sea, a vital global shipping route that has become increasingly important for Saudi exports amid continuing disruption to commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office strongly condemned recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade.
An FCDO spokesperson warned that the actions risked further destabilising the region, endangered freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and undermined efforts to secure peace in Yemen.
The spokesperson said Britain stood firmly with Saudi Arabia and its regional partners and called on the Houthis to immediately end their escalatory actions.
