UK COMMITS £140M AID FOR YEMEN

Britain will spend £130 million in the coming year to help starving people in Yemen as they suffer “one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises”, the Foreign Secretary has said. 

Lord David Cameron announced aid funding for the country will increase by 58% for 2024-2025, which the Government hopes will contribute towards treating 700,000 malnourished children. Cash transfers will be provided by Britain which will help feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with medicines, vaccines and nutritional supplements, the Foreign Office said. He announced the increase in aid funding to Yemen at a meeting with the Yemeni Prime Minister in London.  

The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said:   

"The Yemeni people are suffering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over half the population in need of humanitarian assistance, as its 9-year conflict drags on.  The UK is stepping up to tackle the crisis in Yemen, but we need the international community to do the same to make a real difference. 

The Houthi’s actions have aggravated this humanitarian crisis through blocking aid from reaching those who need it in northern Yemen and attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea which risks pushing up the price of vital supplies.

As well as helping on the humanitarian front, we need to do more to help the government of Yemen to deliver for the Yemeni people. Our talks covered a range of sectors and areas where the UK can help."

Following his arrival in the UK, Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said:

"I highly appreciate the United Kingdom’s uplifting aid to Yemen. As we move forward, it is essential that we expand our relations to include mutual investments across various sectors.  

Yemen’s strategic position at the crossroads of global trade routes makes it an attractive hub for commerce and investment.   

Enhanced economic cooperation between Yemen and the UK, including in sectors like energy, agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, will generate jobs and growth that benefit both our peoples.  

Our youthful population is eager for opportunities, and with the right partnerships and support, we can build a more prosperous and stable future."