The first point to make is that no British forces are involved in this war. However, the UK supports the Saudi-led campaign to restore the legitimate Government in Yemen. President Hadi and the coalition that has been created to support him has the backing of the UN, through resolution 2216, so the call to support President Hadi is a legitimate one.
I would also like to stress that the Government takes seriously its legal obligations as regards the licensing of arms for export to Saudi Arabia and elsewhere and the UK has one of the most rigorous licensing regimes in the world.
Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that it is investigating reports of alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law. This is an important process and the UK is fully behind through investigations into all allegations of violations of International Law. I believe that our important working relationship with Saudi Arabia can enhance our ability to ensure that investigations into such matters take place in an appropriate and timely manner. In addition, in the absence of such a relationship, the Gulf, and arguably, the region and the UK could easily become a more dangerous place.
I absolutely agree that the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal is a worthwhile cause. That is why I was pleased to see the UK Government pledge to match donations from members of the public to the Disasters Emergency Committee Yemen Crisis Appeal up to a total value of £5 million in match funding.
I am pleased that the Government is working hard in Yemen to address the urgent humanitarian needs and support an effective international humanitarian response. Ministers have more than doubled our humanitarian funding to Yemen over the last year, making the UK the fourth largest donor to the humanitarian crisis. We are providing vital medical supplies, water, food and nutrition, and emergency shelter to those most in need and have so far supported more than 1.3 million Yemenis. We need to build resilience and protect key institutions to help lay the foundations for post-conflict recovery.
Ultimately, I share the view of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and end the conflict. The suffering of the people of Yemen is deeply concerning, which is why making progress on peace talks is the top priority. The UN has drawn up a road map for ending the conflict, which outlines the security and political steps the parties must take. The UK is taking a central role in this and in the effort to garner the necessary support for the pending UN resolution that supports it.