MPs to be updated on Houthi strikes - as dispute arises over whether Labour was briefed

Rishi Sunak will address MPs about the latest Houthi strikes later today – amid a dispute about whether Labour was briefed over the action.

MPs to be updated on Houthi strikes – as dispute arises over whether Labour was briefed

Huw Merriman, the transport minister, told Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle were told about the operation before it happened, despite briefings to the contrary.

Politics live: Row brews over Houthi strikes briefing

“I can confirm that the Leader of the Opposition and indeed the Speaker were again given that information in the same way they were the first time around,” he said.

However Sir Lindsay is disputing this, Sky News understands.

Labour also said they were not told about the operation before it happened.

Karin Smyth, a shadow health minister, told GB News this morning: “We don’t know why the government hasn’t spoken to us on the usual terms.

“We would expect them to do that.”

Number 10 said Sir Lindsay and Sir Keir “were informed last night”, but refused to provide clarity on whether this was before the strikes were launched.

Last night the US and UK carried out joint attacks on Houthi military targets in Yemen for the second time, in response to their repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Ahead of the first strikes earlier this month, both Sir Keir and Sir Lindsay were briefed in advance.

Sir Keir expressed his support for the military intervention to protect ships and personnel in the vital trade route, in a rare showing of cross-party unity.

It is understood there will be a briefing today which Labour representatives will attend.

Lots of MPs have demanded parliament be given a vote on the strikes, amid concerns over escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Military intervention is currently a prerogative power, so the government does not have to seek approval.

Why have the UK and US launched strikes on Yemen and who are the Houthis?

The military firepower the UK and US have at their disposal in the Gulf

Mr Merriman said the prime minister will “account to parliament” by addressing MPs in the House of Commons later on Tuesday.

He said the latest air strikes in the Red Sea will “not just be a one-off” if the Houthis continue their campaign of harassment against cargo ships in the region.

“For us to take action and then the Houthis respond, and then we do nothing, would send out the completely wrong signal,” he told Sky News.

“So, this demonstrates that we will be tough and we will take all measures required against the Houthis to protect international shipping and protect the lives of those who operate those ships.”