Scotland’s First Minister has challenged the UK Government to produce legal evidence in support of its military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Humza Yousaf also made clear the House of Commons should have been recalled ahead of action being taken, to “allow for MPs to debate and scrutinise the UK Government’s plans”.
His comments came after UK and US forces bombed military facilities used by Houthi rebels in Yemen – with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisting Britain had taken “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence” after the Iranian-backed group attacked ships in the Red Sea.
The strikes on Thursday night were the first to be launched against Houthi militants since they started targeting international shipping in the key trade route.
The Ministry of Defence said four Royal Air Force jets struck two Houthi facilities involved in their targeting of HMS Diamond and US Navy vessels on Tuesday.
Speaking on Friday, Mr Yousaf said “Houthi attacks in the Red Sea must stop”, and he called for a UN Security Council resolution on the violence to be adhered to.
But the Scottish First Minister said: “Before action as serious as military intervention took place, MPs, who have been elected of course to represent the people, should have had their say.
“The UK, let’s be honest about this, does not have a good track record when it comes to military intervention, particularly in the Middle East.
“That is why the House of Commons should have been recalled today, ahead of military action that was taken, in order to allow for MPs to debate and scrutinise the UK Government’s plans for military action.”
He also challenged the UK Government to produce evidence to support its action, with Mr Yousaf saying: “If we have learnt anything from the past, the very recent past, it is that any decision to instigate military action should be evidence based, and we should be transparent with the people of Scotland and indeed the UK about the reasons for military intervention.
“The UK Government needs to produce evidence of the legal basis, not just a summary, the evidence of the legal basis.
“They need to articulate what is their objective, what is their end goal, and they need to give detail about the security implications of their action both in the region and here at home.”
Mr Yousaf spoke on the matter as he launched the SNP’s campaign for the general election, which is expected to take place later this year.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said it was a “surprise” that he was in Glasgow for the campaign launch, and not in the Commons.
The MP said: “Myself and my colleagues should currently be in Westminster questioning the United Kingdom Prime Minister on his decision to launch military action.
“It is right that Parliament be recalled this weekend, so that MPs across the board can better understand the decision that has been taken, but also get answers on the consequences and what comes next.”
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