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UK to provide Saudi Arabia with 'defensive' military support, says Burnham
On Monday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced Britain will provide defensive air-to-air refueling support to Saudi Arabia to counter Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
Intensified Houthi strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping lanes in the Red Sea prompted the request, as rebels seek to disrupt global pathways through which 12% of world trade passes.
Britain will deploy one Royal Air Force Voyager plane for the time-limited mission, while Burnham confirmed he would lobby other nations to bolster Riyadh's defensive capabilities.
Burnham stated the action aims to secure regional stability and protect Britain's interests amid "cost of living pressures," emphasizing "we need to keep those pathways open."
As he travels to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the decision represents Burnham's first major military authorization since taking office.