For London, the anti-Houthi strikes are part of a “defensive” logic.

On Friday, January 12, the British learned that they had joined forces with the Americans to launch military strikes. “goal” Since November 2023, against Houthi militias in Yemen that have disrupted commercial traffic in the Red Sea. There were these strikes “need” And obey a logic “defense”, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak explained that the United Kingdom should send “News Castle” That the Yemeni rebels cannot act “With Impunity”.

Despite warnings from the US-sponsored anti-Houthi naval coalition in mid-December, British military action has appeared inevitable in recent days as attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militias claiming to be working in support of the Palestinian cause have intensified. On January 10, the British destroyer HMS Diamond had to repel one of the largest attacks involving 18 drones and missiles launched by the rebels. “Navigation in the Red Sea must be protected and that is why we have taken action. Our action is necessary, legal, proportionate and justified. Foreign Secretary David Cameron made the pledge in a video.

After Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, the brutal response of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip has already killed more than 23,000 people, but the British administration is also aligning itself with the American position. For the enclave authorities, London is now a major concern. Since his arrival in Downing Street in October 2022, Rishi Sunak, despite having frosty relations with the Biden administration, has been careful not to go against a traditional American ally.

The conservative maintains his unwavering support for Ukraine, in line with his two predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. He flew to Kiev on Friday morning to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and announce 2.5 billion pounds (2.9 billion euros) of new military aid, mostly drones and long-range missiles. However, Mr. Sunak avoided announcing a multi-year support plan for Ukraine, contrary to Tory MPs' wishes.

“Increasing Risks”

A more cautious Keir Starmer endorsed British intervention in Yemen, believing the Houthi attacks to be. “Threatening to Lives” In addition to global trade. The Labor leader is keen to position himself at the center of the national political spectrum and distance himself as much as possible from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, who has stepped up his criticism of Nato. A longtime supporter of Palestine, he did not mince his words on Friday. According to him, American and British strikes are brewing “An increase [militaire] Irresponsibility leads to more death and suffering”Excluded from his successor's Labor party – the MP posted on the X Network. British responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan left bad memories on both the left and the right and are now being judged harshly.

30% of this article is for you to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.