UK cabinet ‘set to discuss possible strikes on Houthi rebels’

Photograph: Chris Sellars/MoD/Crown copyright/PA

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet was due to meet on Thursday evening amid expectations of UK involvement in imminent military strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.

Ministers were scheduled to join a video call at 7.45pm, which was expected to discuss the UK response to recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, including a barrage of rockets, drones and cruise missiles apparently fired at western warships on Tuesday.

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has said further attacks by the Yemeni rebels on international shipping could prompt a western military response. Any UK strikes are likely to also involve US forces.

Speaking on Wednesday, Grant Shapps, the British defence secretary, told reporters at a press briefing to “watch this space”, and accused Iran of helping the Houthis with intelligence and surveillance.

In a statement released before the briefing, Shapps said: “The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences.”

More details soon …