Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says he is backing UK Government strikes against Houthi rebel sites in Yemen.

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.

While Parliament was not recalled for consultation on the matter, Sir Keir Starmer and the Speaker were informed.

Starmer said Labour were supportive of the Government's actions after weeks of delays to trade due to actions by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

"Labour does support this operation against the Houthi rebela", he said.

"It's clear that for some time now, they have been carrying out attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, putting civilian lives at risk as well as disrupting international trade.

"So we support this action."