Like many people I am concerned about the humanitarian situation in Yemen. I am assured that the Government is continuing its efforts to address the urgent humanitarian needs. The UK continues to be one of the largest donors to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. We have more than doubled support over the last year to £85 million for 2015/16. UK aid has so far helped more than 1.3 million Yemenis.
The UK has been consistently clear with all sides to the conflict about the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Government is clear that a political solution remains the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen.
The UK takes very seriously any allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and regularly raises the importance of compliance with the Saudi Government and other members of the military coalition. The UK Government is aware of the allegations and has clearly stated that all allegations of such violations should be investigated.
In regards to arms sales, all UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia are scrutinised in detail through established processes and against the EU and national consolidated criteria. This process takes account of all relevant information at the time of the application. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the UK Licensing Criteria. This includes if there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The conflict in Yemen is being monitored closely, and that is taken into account as part of the careful risk assessment for exports to Saudi Arabia. The Government is satisfied that export licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK's export licencing criteria.
I will of course continue to monitor the situation.