FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has responded amid mounting speculation that UK and Western allies could take action against Houthi rebels following attacks in the Red Sea.
It comes as Rishi Sunak is holding a full Cabinet call on Thursday evening, with the meeting set to start at 7.45pm.
Responding to speculation that the UK could be taking action against the rebels, the First Minister said: "The UK does not have a good record of military intervention in the Middle East.
"It is therefore incumbent that Westminster is recalled, MPs briefed and allowed to debate and scrutinise any decision to pursue military action that the UK Government is proposing."
It comes after SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn wrote on Twitter/X: "Based solely upon media reports this is quite clearly a very complex and serious situation that is developing at speed.
"It is incumbent upon the UK Government to appraise Parliament as soon as possible and MPs must therefore be recalled to Westminster."
This comes as UK and US naval forces destroyed “multiple attack drones” deployed by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, believed to be the largest attack yet from the Yemen-based force.
Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, warned further action would be taken if attacks persist, amid growing global concern about the disruption in the key global shipping route.
He also said he believed the Houthis, a Shiite group which has held Yemen’s capital since 2014, were acting with the support of Iran.
“Be in no doubt at all, Iran is guiding what is happening there in the Red Sea, providing them not just with equipment to carry out those attacks but also often with the eyes and ears to allow those attacks to happen,” Shapps told Sky News.
“We must be clear with the Houthis that this has to stop and that is my simple message to them today, and watch this space.”
The Royal Navy air defence destroyer HMS Diamond was involved in the response to the latest in a series of attacks, which the Houthis have claimed are a response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
Shapps (below) also posted on Twitter/X: “Overnight, HMS Diamond, along with US warships, successfully repelled the largest attack from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.
“Deploying Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area, with no injuries or damage sustained to Diamond or her crew.
“The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences.
“We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”
It remains to be seen what form any further action might take from the US, the UK and other allies.
There has been speculation that a response could involve strikes on the Houthi command centres.
