UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering a range of Saudi requests for diplomatic and military support against the Houthis in Yemen, amid growing British concerns that the escalating conflict could deliver a severe economic blow.
Saudi Arabia has asked Britain for operational assistance to counter the Iran-supported group’s advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as help protecting its oil infrastructure from Houthi attacks.
According to Bloomberg reports cited by international media, Riyadh has requested British support to repel the Houthis from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and strengthen defenses against attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities.
Burnham has agreed to send British military advisers to Saudi Arabia, Bloomberg reported, but has not yet committed to providing additional military assistance.
The Saudi requests reportedly include a broader range of diplomatic and military support as the Houthis continue their push along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
UK fears threat to global shipping
British officials have warned Burnham that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is critical to global shipping and the wider economy, arguing that the strategic waterway must not fall under Houthi control.
UK officials fear that further Houthi control of the strait could have a “catastrophic” impact on international shipping and global oil prices, potentially worsening economic pressures in Britain.
The concerns come at a time when the incoming prime minister wants to focus on reducing the cost of living, making the potential economic fallout from disruptions to energy supplies and international trade particularly sensitive.
Burnham faces political dilemma
While considering the Saudi requests, Burnham is also concerned about being perceived as supporting US President Donald Trump’s war against Iran.
British public opinion is overwhelmingly opposed to the war, creating a political challenge for the prime minister as he weighs how far Britain should become involved in the regional conflict.
For now, Britain has only approved the deployment of military advisers to Saudi Arabia, despite Riyadh seeking operational support to help halt the Houthi offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The UK Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence declined to comment on Bloomberg’s report.
Saudi oil routes face growing pressure
The developments come amid wider concerns over Saudi Arabia’s oil export routes. Bloomberg reported earlier Monday that Riyadh was seeking to increase the volume of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz after closing its East-West oil pipeline.
The situation highlights the growing pressure on Saudi energy infrastructure and the region’s critical maritime routes as Houthi attacks intensify.
The Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international shipping, while the Strait of Hormuz is another crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Britain has supported Saudi Arabia before
Burnham’s government is not the first UK administration to provide support to Saudi Arabia in its confrontation with the Houthis.
Former British prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer both provided more extensive support to Saudi Arabia against the Houthi group.
The current government’s decision to limit its involvement to military advisers reflects the competing pressures facing Burnham: protecting British economic interests and global trade routes while avoiding deeper involvement in the wider US-Iran conflict.
