Armed forces minister James Heappey says UK and US air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen were a “necessary” act of self-defiance.

It marks the first time strikes have been launched against the group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year, and it vowed there would be retaliation.

Heappey joined Stephen Dixon and Anne Diamond on GB Newsto reflect on the attacks, which he says the Government were justified in carrying out.

“The action last night was a necessary, proportionate, limited response requited to act in self-defence of the UK and US warships that are in the Red Sea”, he said.

“We are seeking to protect commercial shipping as it transits on that vital route between Europe and Asia.

“What we did last night was to degrade and disrupt the Houthi capability to launch those attacks.

“It shouldn’t be seen as part of anything more.”