Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that Britain has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to repeal attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The agreement is for a matter of weeks, but Mr.
Burnham said it will be kept under review.
Mr. The UK has already deployed its Sky Sabre air-defence system to Saudi Arabia this year as part of its support for the kingdom’s defence. The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has reignited, with Houthis aiming missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted Riyadh on Saturday (September 19, 2026) before being intercepted.
Burnham said he was “acting to secure the interests of Britain and the wider region, because of course Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attack, is looking at potential further disruption, and we need to keep those pathways [for oil] open”. Britain has condemned the Houthi attacks and said the U.K. will “work with partners to support regional stability, protect civilians and support humanitarian access”. Britain will provide “defensive air-to-air refuelling” for Saudi aircraft under a request from Riyadh, Burnham said Monday. Earlier reporting noted: Speaking to reporters while travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham said he approved the request after receiving advice from UK defence secretary Wes Streeting and foreign secretary Ed Miliband. Earlier reporting noted: The agreement is time-limited and is understood to be for weeks rather than months, although Burnham said it would remain under review.
Earlier reporting noted: UK to provide military aid to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks: ‘Agreed to air-to-air refuelling’ UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved military support for Saudi Arabia as Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue attacks on the kingdom.
