this is bbc news, the headlines: a vessel has been hit by a missile — south east of yemen — according to the uk maritime security agency. this is the scene in the house of commons where the uk prime minister will update parliament about friday's airstrikes in yemen this hour. we'll bring that to you live. that will be as soon as it starts. one person has been killed and at least 17 wounded in an attack in israel — in the central city of ra'anana. the starting gun is fired in the us presidential race — republicans in iowa weigh in — on who their party's 2024 nominee should be.

and — lava flows through multiple homes in south west iceland — after a volcano erupts near the town of grin—avik. near the town of grindavik. we will cross to westminster as soon as rishi sunak is at the dispatch box. he is not there yet. sport and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre. hello from the bbc sport centre. we will hand back if the prime minister starts speaking. the australian open tennis is where we start, and disappointment for the three—time grand slam champion, andy murray, who's gone out in the first round. at 36, he's hinted again this could be his last year on the tour. murray's now lost eight of his past 12 matches — including the last four. there weren't enough moments like this from the five—time beaten finalist. instead, it was etcheverry on the front foot, asking questions that murray had no answer for. white studio: here is the prime minister.

sorry to cut a rough sport. from studio: here is the prime minister. sorry to cut a rough sport.— sorry to cut a rough sport. from the 19th of november, _ sorry to cut a rough sport. from the 19th of november, iran _ sorry to cut a rough sport. from the 19th of november, iran backed - 19th of november, iran backed houthis have launched attacks on the red sea. on the 9th of january, they mounted a direct attack against british and american warships. they fired on our ships and our sailors. it was the biggest attack on the royal navy for decades. and so, we acted. we did so in self—defence consistent with the un charter and to uphold freedom of navigation as britain has always done. alongside the united states, with support from australia, bahrain, canada, and the netherlands, we order the ari off to strike to houthi facilities in yemen. i want to be clear: these are limited strikes carefully targeted at launch sites for drones and ballistic missiles to degrade the houthi capacity to make further

attacks on international shipping. i can tell the house today tempt our fishermen assessment is all 13 planned targets were destroyed. at the drone and cruise missile base, nine buildings were successfully hit. a further three buildings were hit. a further three buildings were hit at an airfield along with a cruise missile launcher in the open. we have seen no evidence thus far of civilian casualties which we took great care to avoid. i know the whole house willjoin me in paying tribute to the incredible bravery and professionalism of all our servicemen and women. the need to maximise the security and effectiveness of the operation meant it was impossible to bring this matter to the house in advance. we took care to brief members before the strikes took place including you, of course, mr speaker, and the leader of the opposition, and i have come to the house at the earliest possible opportunity. mr speaker, i do not take decisions on the use of force likely. that is why i stress this action was taken in

self—defence. it was limited, not escalator a. self—defence. it was limited, not escalatora. it self—defence. it was limited, not escalator a. it was a necessary and proportionate response to a direct threat to uk vessels and to the uk itself. mr speaker, let me be absolutely clear why the royal navy is in the red sea: they are here as operation prosperity guardian, protecting freedom of navigation as a fundamental tenet of international law. the houthi attack on international shipping puts innocent lives at risk. they held one crew hostage for almost two months. they are causing growing economic disruption. global commerce cannot operate under such conditions. containers and tankers are having to take a 5000 mile detour around the cape of good hope. that pushes up prices and imperils the passage of goods, food, and medicine, that the british people and others rely on. we have attempted to resolve this

through diplomacy. after numerous international calls for the attacks to stop, a coalition of countries gave the houthis a clear and unambiguous warning two weeks ago. last week, the un security council passed a resolution condemning the attacks and highlighting the right of nations to defend their vessels and preserve freedom of navigation. yet, the houthis continued on their reckless path. we should not fall for that malign a narrative this is about israel and gaza. they target the ships from around the world. we continue to work towards a sustainable ceasefire in gaza and to get more aid to civilians. we also continue to support the negotiated settlement in yemen's civil war. i want to be very clear this action is completely unrelated to those issues. it is a direct response to the houthi's attack on international

shipping. we should also recognise the risks of inaction: it would weaken international security and the rule of law, further damage freedom of navigation and the global economy, and send a dangerous message to the british vessels and british interests of fair are fair game. the attack risked worsening the dire humanitarian situation in yemen itself. the uk helps feed around 100,000 yemenis every month with aid arriving via the very sea routes at the houthis have in essence. this starts to shipping must cease. illegally detained vessels and crews must be released. we remain prepared to back our words with actions. mr speaker, dealing with actions. mr speaker, dealing with this threat doesn't detract from our other international commitments. rather, it strengthens our determination to uphold

fundamental un principles. if our adversaries think they can distract us from helping ukraine by threatening international security elsewhere, they could not be more wrong. on friday, i travelled to kyiv to meet president zelensky and addressed the ukrainian parliament. i took a message from this house to them that we will stand with ukraine today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. if putin wins in ukraine, he won't stop there and other malign actors will be involved. that is why ukraine's security is our security. that is why the uk will stay the course. it is why i am confident our partners share our resolve. far from our resolve faltering, our military for salt —— mac support will increase this year, we will provide the biggest defence package to ukraine since began web £2.5 billion including more air defence

equipment, anti—tank weapons, missiles, ammunition and artillery shells, thousands more ukrainian servicemen and women being trained. and, the single largest package of advanced trains given ukraine by any nation. all of this —— advanced drones. all of this on top of what we have already provided ukraine. since the war began, the united kingdom will have provided almost £12 billion of aid to ukraine. we were the first to train troops. the first in europe to provide lethal weapons, the first to commit main battle tanks. the first to provide long range missiles, and now, we are the first to give the promise made at last year's nato summit alongside 30 other countries to provide new bilateral security commitments. mr speaker, ukraine's rightful places in nato and nato will be stronger with ukraine in it. these commitments will help bridge the gap

until that day comes. under the new agreement that we signed with president zelensky, we are building ukraine's military capabilities, and if russia ever invade ukraine again, we will provide swift and sustained assistance including modern equipment across land, air, and sea. together with our allies, the cable be that from the first moment until the last. for all of this, mr speaker, i bring a message of thanks from president zelensky to the british people. today, i hope this house willjoin me in sending a message back to the ukrainian people that we stand together as one in support of these firm commitments. we are building a new partnership with ukraine designed to last 100 years or more. yes, it is about defence and security, but it is also about trade, investment, culture, and more. there can be many more powerful signs of our unique bond than ukraine's decision to adopt

english as the language of business and diplomacy. through the british council, we are going to fund english language training for the ukrainian people. so, mr speaker, in dangerous times, we are investing in defence, hardening our critical infrastructure, building our alliances, and resolute in our principles. international security, the rule of law, and freedom to determine your own future. an attack on those principles is an attack on everything that we believe in and on which our lives and livelihoods depend. as the home of parliamentary democracy and a leader in collective security, it is a massive responsibility to defend those principles and to defend our people. that is who we are, that is what britain does and will always do, and i commend this statement to the house. cheering. we i commend this statement to the house. cheering.— i commend this statement to the house. cheering. i commend this statement to the house. cheerina. ~ ., _, ., house. cheering. we now come to the leader of the — house. cheering. we now come to the leader of the opposition, _ house. cheering. we now come to the leader of the opposition, keir - leader of the opposition, keir starmen _

leader of the opposition, keir starmen [_ leader of the opposition, keir starmer. ., ~' leader of the opposition, keir starmer. ., ~ ., ., ~ starmer. i would like to thank the remiers starmer. i would like to thank the premiers never— starmer. i would like to thank the premiers never message - starmer. i would like to thank the l premiers never message everything last week_ premiers never message everything last week and for the advance copy of his_ last week and for the advance copy of his statement. let me reiterate that labour— of his statement. let me reiterate that labour backs this targeted action— that labour backs this targeted action to — that labour backs this targeted action to reinforce our maritime security— action to reinforce our maritime security in— action to reinforce our maritime security in the red sea. we strongly condemn_ security in the red sea. we strongly condemn the houthi attacks that are targeting _ condemn the houthi attacks that are targeting commercial ships of all nationalities. they are putting civilians — nationalities. they are putting civilians and military personnel in serious _ civilians and military personnel in serious danger, including british forces _ serious danger, including british forces. the houthi attacks are unacceptable, illegal, and, if left unaddressed, could lead to a devastating rise in the cost of essential— devastating rise in the cost of essential food in some of the poorest— essential food in some of the poorest countries. mr speaker, the international community clearly stands — international community clearly stands against the houthi attacks. that is— stands against the houthi attacks. that is alongside the uk and the us, for other— that is alongside the uk and the us, for other countries were involved in an operational support. over 12 nations— an operational support. over 12 nations are part of the maritime

protection — nations are part of the maritime protection force in the red sea. and others _ protection force in the red sea. and others are _ protection force in the red sea. and others are in— protection force in the red sea. and others are in support of the recent un security council resolution which condemns _ un security council resolution which condemns the houthi attacks in the strongest _ condemns the houthi attacks in the strongest possible terms. the uk strikes _ strongest possible terms. the uk strikes were limited, targeted, and did everything possible to protect civilian _ did everything possible to protect civilian lives. that is a proportionate response. mr speaker, military— proportionate response. mr speaker, military action must of course always— military action must of course always be _ military action must of course always be underpinned by a clear strategy — always be underpinned by a clear strategy. it is the role of this house — strategy. it is the role of this house to— strategy. it is the role of this house to ask the right questions. so, house to ask the right questions. so. i_ house to ask the right questions. so. iask— house to ask the right questions. so, i ask the prime minister: what confidence — so, i ask the prime minister: what confidence does he have that his stated _ confidence does he have that his stated objectives have been met? what _ stated objectives have been met? what process will he follow in the face of _ what process will he follow in the face of continued houthi attacks? what _ face of continued houthi attacks? what efforts are under way to maintain _ what efforts are under way to maintain the support of the international community? and can he confirm _ international community? and can he confirm he _ international community? and can he confirm he stands by the

parliamentary convention that were possible _ parliamentary convention that were possible military interventions by the uk _ possible military interventions by the uk government, particularly if they are _ the uk government, particularly if they are part of a sustained campaign, should be brought before this house? scrutiny is not the enemy— this house? scrutiny is not the enemy of— this house? scrutiny is not the enemy of strategy. while we back the action— enemy of strategy. while we back the action taken last week, these strikes — action taken last week, these strikes still do bring risk. we must avoid _ strikes still do bring risk. we must avoid escalation across the middle east _ avoid escalation across the middle east can — avoid escalation across the middle east. can the prime minister also tellers— east. can the prime minister also tellers how uk will work with international partners so that our rightful— international partners so that our rightful actions are not used as an excuse _ rightful actions are not used as an excuse hy— rightful actions are not used as an excuse by those who seek to expand violence _ excuse by those who seek to expand violence throughout the wider region — violence throughout the wider region. 0r, indeed, reanimate the conflict— region. 0r, indeed, reanimate the conflict in— region. 0r, indeed, reanimate the conflict in yemen itself. nonetheless, mr speaker, ourarmed nonetheless, mr speaker, our armed forces— nonetheless, mr speaker, ourarmed forces across the region are showing the highest _ forces across the region are showing the highest professionalism and hraverv — the highest professionalism and bravery. that is bathed in defending commercial shipping and this

targeted action. we thank them, we are proud _ targeted action. we thank them, we are proud of— targeted action. we thank them, we are proud of them, they continue to show— are proud of them, they continue to show that— are proud of them, they continue to show that britain is a force for good — show that britain is a force for good as— show that britain is a force for good. as stars, mr speaker, the uk pass unwavering unity in support of ukraine _ pass unwavering unity in support of ukraine against russian aggression. on these _ ukraine against russian aggression. on these benches we have backed all military— on these benches we have backed all military support, so, again, we back the prime _ military support, so, again, we back the prime minister must make an announcement of £2.5 million for ukraine _ announcement of £2.5 million for ukraine next year. and we strongly support _ ukraine next year. and we strongly support the agreement on security cooperation. this will give ukraine vital confidence to plan for the year— vital confidence to plan for the year ahead. vital confidence to plan for the yearahead. i hope it vital confidence to plan for the year ahead. i hope it becomes a template — year ahead. i hope it becomes a template for other allies to follow. and that _ template for other allies to follow. and that ukraine, in time, will become — and that ukraine, in time, will become a _ and that ukraine, in time, will become a full member of nato. mr speaker, _ become a full member of nato. mr speaker, to those listening in kyiv, moscow. _ speaker, to those listening in kyiv, moscow. or— speaker, to those listening in kyiv,

moscow, or elsewhere in the world, let me _ moscow, or elsewhere in the world, let me he _ moscow, or elsewhere in the world, let me be clear: whoever is in government in britain, the uk will stand _ government in britain, the uk will stand with — government in britain, the uk will stand with ukraine for as long as it takes _ stand with ukraine for as long as it takes. returning to the middle east, it is now— takes. returning to the middle east, it is now over 100 days since the hrutal— it is now over 100 days since the brutal events of october the 7th. israel's _ brutal events of october the 7th. israel's right to self—defence is fundamental, as is its duty to comply— fundamental, as is its duty to comply with international law. the longer _ comply with international law. the longer this— comply with international law. the longer this conflict in gaza rages, the more — longer this conflict in gaza rages, the more the risk of escalation throughout the entire region. on the israel- _ throughout the entire region. on the israel— lebanon border, we must urge restraint _ israel— lebanon border, we must urge restraint and _ israel— lebanon border, we must urge restraint and make it crystal clear to all— restraint and make it crystal clear to all parties that the uk does not support— to all parties that the uk does not support this conflict extending in lebanon — support this conflict extending in lebanon. while within israel and palestine, — lebanon. while within israel and palestine, in the west bank, settler violence _ palestine, in the west bank, settler violence must stop immediately. in gaza, _ violence must stop immediately. in gaza, we _ violence must stop immediately. in gaza, we need a humanitarian truce now: _ gaza, we need a humanitarian truce now. not— gaza, we need a humanitarian truce now. not as — gaza, we need a humanitarian truce now. not as a — gaza, we need a humanitarian truce now, not as a short pause, but as the first— now, not as a short pause, but as the first step _

now, not as a short pause, but as the first step on the road away from violence _ the first step on the road away from violence. the need for a sustainable ceasefire _ violence. the need for a sustainable ceasefire is — violence. the need for a sustainable ceasefire is clear. to stop the killing — ceasefire is clear. to stop the killing of _ ceasefire is clear. to stop the killing of innocent civilians, to create — killing of innocent civilians, to create the _ killing of innocent civilians, to create the space for the return of all of _ create the space for the return of all of the — create the space for the return of all of the hostages, and to provide urgent _ all of the hostages, and to provide urgent humanitarian relief and protect— urgent humanitarian relief and protect against disease, ward off a devastating famine. mr speaker, from that first _ devastating famine. mr speaker, from that first step, we can begin a bigger— that first step, we can begin a bigger push towards peace, a permanent end to the fighting, and a lasting _ permanent end to the fighting, and a lasting political... the hope of the two state — lasting political... the hope of the two state solution is fragile, but it is still— two state solution is fragile, but it is still there. we must fight for it. it is still there. we must fight for it that— it is still there. we must fight for it that is— it is still there. we must fight for it. that isjust as it is still there. we must fight for it. that is just as we it is still there. we must fight for it. that isjust as we must it is still there. we must fight for it. that is just as we must also remain— it. that is just as we must also remain resolute in the face of aggression threatening global security be it in europe or the red sea _

security be it in europe or the red sea. ., ., ~ security be it in europe or the red sea. . ., ~ ., ., ., , sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman _ sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman for— sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman for what _ sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman for what he - sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman for what he said. - sea. can i thank the honourable gentleman for what he said. he | sea. can i thank the honourable l gentleman for what he said. he is right to highlight the international coalition that, over recent weeks, has called out the houthi balls behaviour, resulting in the un security council's resolution which he rightly referenced. our statement today... their ability to launch attacks like those on civilian shipping as i indicated, our original assessment, those have been successful in the specific targets are selected during the strikes. obviously, that is an initial assessment, that remains our case at the moment. more generally, what we want to see is a reduction of tensions in the region and restoration of stability. that is our stated aim, it is incumbent on the houthis not to escalate this with illegal and unprovoked attacks on civilian shipping and putting innocent drives at risk, and damaging the global economy and the

prices british citizens and others will pay for their goods as the right honourable gentleman pointed out. i can assure him it was necessary to strike as he has acknowledged, to protect the security in these operations, that is in accordance with the convention, which i remain committed to. he will know strike... i can also provide him with the assurance about engagement. there will be malign forces out there seeking to distort our actions and turn it into something it is not and it is important to engage with our allies. they understand what we did. i want to provide the assurance we have done that and will continue to do that because it is important there is no linkage between these actions

and anything else happening. this is purely and simply to respond in self—defence to the attacks by the houthis eight on commercial shipping. i also welcome your support regarding the announcement made you crane —— back to ukraine. the security commitments we have signed, 30 countries and that vilnius summit promised to do so, and the house should be proudly in the united kingdom is leading by being the first country to sign such a commitment which i believe will serve as a template for others to follow. i can tell him that the enormous appreciation via ukraine for the uk to that seven there is long—term certainty of ukrainian people of our support and providing further deterrents to russia and others against future aggression. perhaps, in conclusion, mr speaker, the confluence of these two events over the same 2a hours serves to highlight the increasing threats we face as a country. the global

environment is becoming more challenging, more unstable, and it is incumbent on us to respond to those challenges with increased investment in defence that, as we are doing, strengthening our alliances, because ultimately, we must defend the principles of international law, of freedom and democracy, freedom of navigation, that will hold dear. this government will always stand ready to do that and to protect the british people. and sirjulian lewis. hasan the prime — and sirjulian lewis. hasan the prime minister— and sirjulian lewis. hasan the prime minister was _ and sirjulian lewis. hasan the prime minister was clearly- prime minister was clearly absolutely— prime minister was clearly absolutelyjustified - prime minister was clearly absolutelyjustified to - prime minister was clearly- absolutelyjustified to respond as he did, _ absolutelyjustified to respond as he did, particularly— absolutelyjustified to respond as he did, particularly after- absolutelyjustified to respond as he did, particularly after the - he did, particularly after the direct— he did, particularly after the direct attack— he did, particularly after the direct attack against - he did, particularly after the direct attack against hms i he did, particularly after the - direct attack against hms diamond. given— direct attack against hms diamond. given that _ direct attack against hms diamond. given that at — direct attack against hms diamond. given that at the _ direct attack against hms diamond. given that at the time _ direct attack against hms diamond. given that at the time of _ direct attack against hms diamond. given that at the time of the - given that at the time of the falklands— given that at the time of the falklands campaign- given that at the time of the falklands campaign we - given that at the time of the falklands campaign we had. given that at the time of the i falklands campaign we had 35 frigates— falklands campaign we had 35 frigates and _ falklands campaign we had 35 frigates and destroyers - falklands campaign we had 35 frigates and destroyers and i falklands campaign we had 35 . frigates and destroyers and were spending — frigates and destroyers and were spending 45%— frigates and destroyers and were spending 45% of— frigates and destroyers and were spending 4.5% of gdp— frigates and destroyers and were spending 4.5% of gdp on- frigates and destroyers and were i spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas— spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas both _ spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas both of _ spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas both of those _ spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas both of those figures - spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, whereas both of those figures cani spending 4.5% of gdp on defence, . whereas both of those figures can be cut in— whereas both of those figures can be cut in half— whereas both of those figures can be cut in half to — whereas both of those figures can be cut in half to describe _ whereas both of those figures can be cut in half to describe our— cut in half to describe our situation _ cut in half to describe our situation today, - cut in half to describe our situation today, does - cut in half to describe our situation today, does he. cut in half to describe our- situation today, does he agree with me that _

situation today, does he agree with me that we — situation today, does he agree with me that we certainly _ situation today, does he agree with me that we certainly should - situation today, does he agree with me that we certainly should not - situation today, does he agree with me that we certainly should not be| me that we certainly should not be reducing _ me that we certainly should not be reducing the — me that we certainly should not be reducing the numbers— me that we certainly should not be reducing the numbers of— me that we certainly should not be reducing the numbers of frigates l me that we certainly should not be| reducing the numbers of frigates or destroyers— reducing the numbers of frigates or destroyers and _ reducing the numbers of frigates or destroyers and we _ reducing the numbers of frigates or destroyers and we certainly- reducing the numbers of frigates or destroyers and we certainly shouldl destroyers and we certainly should not he _ destroyers and we certainly should not be mothballing _ destroyers and we certainly should not be mothballing or— destroyers and we certainly should not be mothballing or otherwise i not be mothballing or otherwise decommissioning _ not be mothballing or otherwise decommissioning our— not be mothballing or otherwise. decommissioning our amphibious assault— decommissioning our amphibious assault ships? _ decommissioning our amphibious assault ships? [— decommissioning our amphibious assault ships?— assault ships? i am happy to reassure _ assault ships? i am happy to reassure my _ assault ships? i am happy to reassure my honourable - assault ships? i am happy to l reassure my honourable friend assault ships? i am happy to - reassure my honourable friend that our intention is to increase defence spending from where it currently is “p spending from where it currently is up to 2.5% when the circumstances allow. it is worth reminding the house we have consistently, over the last decade, up in the second largest spender on defence than nato and the other countries combined. we will continue provide that leadership. there is a strong equipment plan underpinned by the end of £1 billion extra received in the most recent settlement which, for the royal navy, does include type 26, type 22 frigates. referring to the specific vessels, the defence

secretary has asked how the royal marines excellent work can be taken forward and say they have the capabilities they need to continue their work and to be able to be deployed globally and when that presence concludes, we will update the house. ., ~ presence concludes, we will update the house. ., ,, , ., presence concludes, we will update the house. ., ,, i. ~ presence concludes, we will update the house. ., ~ the house. thank you, mr speaker, i would like to — the house. thank you, mr speaker, i would like to echo _ the house. thank you, mr speaker, i would like to echo the _ the house. thank you, mr speaker, i would like to echo the prime - would like to echo the prime minister— would like to echo the prime minister pass sentiment relating to ukraine _ minister pass sentiment relating to ukraine. all of us on these benches have been— ukraine. all of us on these benches have been firmly united behind the struggle _ have been firmly united behind the struggle against vladimir putin pass rusher~ _ struggle against vladimir putin pass rusher~ mr— struggle against vladimir putin pass rusher. mr speaker, when sirwalter scott _ rusher. mr speaker, when sirwalter scott wrote — rusher. mr speaker, when sirwalter scott wrote that in war both sides to lose, _ scott wrote that in war both sides to lose, i'm — scott wrote that in war both sides to lose, i'm not sure he had factored _ to lose, i'm not sure he had factored into the equation the likes of the _ factored into the equation the likes of the houthis because they are of course _ of the houthis because they are of course the — of the houthis because they are of course the fundamentalists's fundamentalists. the perceived wisdom — fundamentalists. the perceived wisdom would suggest that they are perhaps— wisdom would suggest that they are perhaps not only content but quite happy _ perhaps not only content but quite happy to _ perhaps not only content but quite happy to be on the receiving end of american _ happy to be on the receiving end of american bombs. it is in that

context— american bombs. it is in that context that poses an enormous question— context that poses an enormous question for all of us in this house as to _ question for all of us in this house as to what — question for all of us in this house as to what comes next. as has been suggested, — as to what comes next. as has been suggested, through their actions, over the _ suggested, through their actions, over the course of the last 12 hours or so, _ over the course of the last 12 hours or so, the — over the course of the last 12 hours or so, the message we want to scent has not — or so, the message we want to scent has not been _ or so, the message we want to scent has not been received. what is the plan? _ has not been received. what is the plan? was — has not been received. what is the plan? was it is the prime minister's strategy? _ plan? was it is the prime minister's strategy? will he come to the dispatch— strategy? will he come to the dispatch box and unlike his predecessors, in relation to middle east conflicts in iraq, afghanistan, syria. _ east conflicts in iraq, afghanistan, syria. lay— east conflicts in iraq, afghanistan, syria, lay out when and how far he is willing _ syria, lay out when and how far he is willing to — syria, lay out when and how far he is willing to go in relation to military— is willing to go in relation to military action? quite clearly, we need _ military action? quite clearly, we need to— military action? quite clearly, we need to understand his government's strategy— need to understand his government's strategy in _ need to understand his government's strategy in this conflict because we cannot— strategy in this conflict because we cannot have an escalation leading to

further— cannot have an escalation leading to further instability. while we should not fall— further instability. while we should not fall for the houthi pass narrative that this is linked to the conflict _ narrative that this is linked to the conflict in — narrative that this is linked to the conflict in israel and gaza, we cannot— conflict in israel and gaza, we cannot escape the fact a ceasefire in gaza _ cannot escape the fact a ceasefire in gaza is— cannot escape the fact a ceasefire in gaza is essential for that wider regional— in gaza is essential for that wider regional stability. finally, mr speaker, _ regional stability. finally, mr speaker, whilst the prime minister sought— speaker, whilst the prime minister sought to — speaker, whilst the prime minister sought to defend his decision not to come _ sought to defend his decision not to come to— sought to defend his decision not to come to the house last week, it is quite _ come to the house last week, it is quite clear— come to the house last week, it is quite clear this house should have been _ quite clear this house should have been recalled. it is what the public would _ been recalled. it is what the public would have expected. i would urge him to— would have expected. i would urge him to do— would have expected. i would urge him to do better in future. mr speaker. _ him to do better in future. iji' speaker, can him to do better in future. m speaker, can i thank the honourable gentleman of his comments about ukraine and support for our approach. regarding the future, i will not speculate on future action, what we conducted was intended as a single limited action and, of

course, we hope the houthis will now step back and end their reckless and destabilising attacks. we will not hesitate to protect our security and our interest where required and we would of course follow the correct procedures, as i believe we did so in this case. although the honourable gentleman is right to ask questions, we should also recognise the risks of inaction, because doing nothing would weaken international security and the rule of law, further damage the freedom of navigation and the global economy, and perhaps most importantly, it would send a very dangerous message that british vessels and british interests are fair game, and that is simply unacceptable mr speaker. lastly, if i might say, and of course i'm happy to answer questions about the situation in israel and gaza, but this house should be very clear in making it clear to the

outside world that there is no link between what we did last week and the situation in israel and gaza. this was a specific action in self—defence against the houthis you are conducting illegal strikes against innocent civilian shipping which has nothing to do with what is happening in israel and gaza and we must never let anyone think this house believes that there is. can i commend my _ house believes that there is. can i commend my right _ house believes that there is. can i commend my right honourable friend the defence secretary says excellent and wide—ranging speech this morning? he rightly pointed out we face dangerous times. can i ask my right _ face dangerous times. can i ask my right honourable friend, the prime minister. _ right honourable friend, the prime minister, that while it is important how we _ minister, that while it is important how we spend defence money, it is vital and _ how we spend defence money, it is vital and without doubt the defence needs— vital and without doubt the defence needs more money, more than 2.5% of these _ needs more money, more than 2.5% of these arbitrary targets, if our brave — these arbitrary targets, if our brave men and women are going to fi-ht brave men and women are going to fight a _ brave men and women are going to fight a sustained conflict in the years— fight a sustained conflict in the years ahead. mr

fight a sustained conflict in the years ahead-— fight a sustained conflict in the ears ahead. ~ ,,, ., ,, ., years ahead. mr speaker, i agree that it was _ years ahead. mr speaker, i agree that it was an _ years ahead. mr speaker, i agree that it was an excellent _ years ahead. mr speaker, i agree that it was an excellent speech i that it was an excellent speech earlier, and in his speech he highlighted, as i did, that defence spending has consistently met our native obligation, we have been the largest defence and in nato and in the last settlement, received the largest increases since the end of the cold war. the threats are increasing. it is right we invested to protect the british people against those threats. that is exactly what this government is doing and will continue today. i am not having- -- _ doing and will continue today. i am not having. .. back— doing and will continue today. i am not having... back while not having a vote _ not having... back while not having a vote in _ not having... back while not having a vote in this — not having... back while not having a vote in this house is regrettable,... international shipping _ regrettable,... international shipping lanes. we cannot lose sight of the _ shipping lanes. we cannot lose sight of the fact— shipping lanes. we cannot lose sight of the fact this region is a tinderbox. attacks on us soldiers in syria and _ tinderbox. attacks on us soldiers in syria and iraq, the terrors of

islamic— syria and iraq, the terrors of islamic state in iran, the rockets of hezbollah, the israeli word strikes — of hezbollah, the israeli word strikes in _ of hezbollah, the israeli word strikes in beirut. all stemming from the horrifying conflict in israel and gaza _ the horrifying conflict in israel and gaza. can the prime minister set out what _ and gaza. can the prime minister set out what conversations he has had with our— out what conversations he has had with our nato allies and leaders of gulf countries to ensure these limited — gulf countries to ensure these limited strikes remain limited. mr limited strikes remain limited. speaker, of limited strikes remain limited. m speaker, of course, as i said, we are extensively engaging with our international partners. i recently spoke to the president of egypt last week and will continue to do so. again, i say this, week and will continue to do so. again, isay this, it week and will continue to do so. again, i say this, it is important no one dates away that this house believes on any side that there is a linkage between action and sell defence against the houthis and the situation in israel and gaza. they are distinct and we will do everything we can to bring more aid

into gaza, to making sure we work hard for a sustainable ceasefire, and that is separate in our ability and that is separate in our ability and duty to defend our interests and our people. flan and duty to defend our interests and our --eole. . _, our people. can i commend the prime minister and — our people. can i commend the prime minister and his _ our people. can i commend the prime minister and his firm _ our people. can i commend the prime minister and his firm and _ our people. can i commend the prime minister and his firm and principled i minister and his firm and principled response _ minister and his firm and principled response to events in the red sea? with the _ response to events in the red sea? with the support for hamas, hezbollah, and the hooties, —— houthi. — hezbollah, and the hooties, —— houthi. is — hezbollah, and the hooties, —— houthi. is it— hezbollah, and the hooties, —— houthi, is it not clear... the regime _ houthi, is it not clear... the regime believes israel should not exist— regime believes israel should not exist at— regime believes israel should not exist at all. it is not a real defeat _ exist at all. it is not a real defeat for iran to see them isolated by meaningful resolution of the palestinian issue, the supercharging of the _ palestinian issue, the supercharging of the abraham accords, processes to brin- of the abraham accords, processes to bring peace _ of the abraham accords, processes to bring peace and stability to the region— bring peace and stability to the region are underpinned by international resolve to confront iran's _ international resolve to confront iran's proxies wherever they threaten _ iran's proxies wherever they threaten our interests and our values — international resolve to confront of iran for ever they threaten our interests and values.

cani can i thank my honourable friend for his work on accords. he is right that the behaviour of the iranian regime poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the uk and our allies and ensures regional instability where we want to see more peace and stability. i can assure him that we are keeping abreast of all the risks in the area and that is by the royal navy last year and the year before continues, for example, to intercept illegal arms smuggling to the houthis and we will continue to keep in close contact with our allies to measures that we can protect our people and ensure that the influence in the region is reduced to the best extent possible. i region is reduced to the best extent ossible. . ~ ~ . possible. i thank the prime minister for his statement _ possible. i thank the prime minister for his statement and _ possible. i thank the prime minister for his statement and he _ possible. i thank the prime minister for his statement and he has - possible. i thank the prime minister for his statement and he has been l for his statement and he has been absolutely crystal clear in the need to degrade the capabilities of this terrorist organisation causing havoc

in the red sea. he will also know that