Rishi Sunak says Britain delivered a "strong message" in striking Houthi military bases, adding the action was a "last resort".

The RAF joined American allies in targeting Houthi locations last week as part of allied efforts to ensure international cargo vessels can freely navigate the vital shipping route.

The Houthis, Iran-backed militants who support Gaza ruler Hamas in the Palestinian group’s war against Israel, claims it has targeted ships with links to Tel Aviv.

Weeks of attacks by the rebels have posed a threat to the flow of global trade, disrupting merchant vessels passing through the sea to the Suez Canal, a route that serves 15 per cent of world shipping.