Despite Houthis not attacking UK, it's acting in 'self-defence' says British minister

In a bid to justify its attack on Yemen, the British armed forces minister, James Heappey, said overnight strikes on in Yemen, which is more than 6,200 kilometres away, were justified.

“Our action and the action of the Americans last night was in self-defence in order to defend against further attacks on our warships as they go about their legal and reasonable business,” he told Times Radio in London.

Earlier, the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had said the “threat to innocent lives and global trade” had become so great that London felt it was its “duty” to safeguard ships and freedom of navigation.

The Houthis have said that maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea is safe and normal for all ships except for ships heading to Israel.

Many will view US and British strikes against Yemen as explicit support for Israel's military campaign against Palestinians in Gaza.