Tory MP Tobias Ellwood says attempts to recall Parliament over UK strikes in Yemen will only “slow down” the process.
It comes after Britain joined the US in launching strikes on military facilities in Yemen last night in response to the “reckless actions” of Houthi rebels.
After weeks of disruption to international shipping in the Red Sea, the Western factions took action.
While Sir Keir Starmer and the Speaker were informed, Rishi Sunak opted not to recall Parliament.
Tobias Ellwood says attempts to 'slow down' the attacks could be dangerous
GETTY / GB NEWS
The decision has been met with criticism from MPs including SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
Speaking on GB News, Ellwood said such a move could cost UK and US forces vital time.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
“I understand those calls”, he said.
“It’s important that accountability and scrutiny is there, but ultimately, executive decisions need to be made.
“The idea that you then include the Parliament aspect of this slows the operation down and that could put our personnel in danger.
“Don’t forget, this is done as part of a wider strategic alliance, therefore for us to slow down would perhaps delay the operation and send a signal to the Houthis to prepare.
Tobias Ellwood joined Anne Diamond and Stephen Dixon on GB News
GB NEWS
“They will then move their assets away.”
Flynn took to X on Thursday evening to call on the prime minister to “appraise” Parliament.
“Based solely upon media reports this is quite clearly a very complex and serious situation that is developing at speed”, he said.
“It is incumbent upon the UK Government to appraise Parliament as soon as possible and MPs must therefore be recalled to Westminster.”
SNP leader Humza Yousaf concurred with the sentiment, saying that the UK “does not have a good record of military intervention in the Middle East”.
He added that “it is therefore incumbent that Westminster is recalled”.
Ellwood added that the attacks in Yemen could raise questions about the British defence budget, suggesting it could be bolstered as a result.
“As we focus absolutely on the operation, there will be important questions as to whether it’s now time to invest heavily”, he said.
“Not just in our maritime capability, but also in our armed forces as well.”
