UK PM Andy Burnham Approves Saudi Request for Defensive Air-to-Air Refuelling Support

On Monday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed that the UK has consented to provide limited defensive air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia, following a request from Riyadh. This decision was made after consultations with both the defence secretary and the foreign secretary, with Burnham presenting it as a step towards stabilising the broader region. The request came in response to increased attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Houthis, who dominate Yemen's most populated regions. Burnham emphasized the necessity of maintaining open pathways amid these assaults. He shared this information with reporters while traveling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, noting that the request was approved the night before. The support will be temporary and strictly defensive.