Yemen debate

On Thursday 5 February 2016, I made an intervention in the debate on the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The United Nations suggest that over 2,800 people have been killed in Yemen since March last year. The civilian infrastructure has been largely destroyed by the fighting making it difficult for civilians to get vital access to clean water, food and medical treatment. More than 21.2 million people in Yemen, including 10 million children, are now in need of humanitarian aid.

Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): As a Member who was born in Aden, I was concerned to hear that a church in Ma’alla where I used to worship was hit, along with a hospital. What steps are being taken to ensure that aid will be allowed to get through? Access to aid is very important.

Stephen Twigg: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. In evidence from DFID itself we were told that the very welcome UK aid of £85 million could have been more, but that it is simply proportionate to what can currently be spent by our partners given the difficulties of access. She is absolutely right that that is one of the major considerations.