Key Developments
On 12 November 2026, HM Government said the UK backed UN Security Council action to strengthen sanctions on the Houthis, citing attacks in Yemen and the use of dual-use components. The stance followed a related European Commission pledge to deepen maritime security cooperation with Yemen.
Key Statistics
- 22.3 million people in Yemen needed humanitarian assistance, according to HM Government.
- 330,000 people were displaced in Yemen, according to HM Government.
- Historical: nearly €2 billion in EU humanitarian and development assistance had been provided to Yemen, according to the European Commission.
- Historical: 12% of global trade passed through the Red Sea, according to the European Commission.
- Historical: 23% of EU imports from Asia passed through the Red Sea, according to the European Commission.
Main Body
On 12 November 2026, HM Government said the UK supported a UN Security Council resolution to reinforce sanctions on the Houthis in Yemen, arguing that Houthi attacks and access to dual-use components required stronger international action. The UK also linked its vote to support for Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and to the humanitarian pressures facing civilians, according to HM Government.
The British statement said the sanctions effort addressed Houthi weapons manufacturing and the movement of dual-use items that could support attacks, according to HM Government. It also said 22.3 million people in Yemen needed humanitarian assistance and 330,000 people had been displaced, placing the security response alongside an ongoing civilian protection and relief challenge.
The move fit with recent European policy toward Yemen. On 11 November 2026, the European Commission said the EU would increase cooperation with Yemen on maritime security, including support for coastguard capacity and efforts to curb arms trafficking, after Houthi military escalation and threats around Bab al-Mandab.
The development mattered because the UK sanctions position and the EU maritime-security track both targeted the practical channels that allow attacks to continue, including weapons inputs, trafficking routes and maritime insecurity. The European Commission said the Red Sea carried 12% of global trade and 23% of EU imports from Asia, making Yemen’s conflict a security, humanitarian and trade issue for governments beyond the region.
