Further strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen have not been ruled out, the armed forces minister suggested this morning. 

James Heappey said the strikes carried out last night by the UK alongside the US were an act of “self-defence”. 

Asked if their could be more military action taken, Mr Heappey told Times Radio: “The Prime Minister and his national security team consider issues such as this on an individual basis. Clearly they are amongst the most serious and grave decisions that a Prime Minister makes during their time in office. 

“I am not going to confirm that any further action is planned. I am simply confirming that the warning remains in place, the Royal Navy and the US Navy continue to seek to protect shipping as it transits the Bab-el-Mandeb straits and the southern Red Sea. The Houthis should not continue in their attacks.” 

The UK’s participation in the strikes last night was approved by Cabinet ministers in an emergency joint call. The House of Commons is not scheduled to sit today and is not being recalled despite widespread calls from opposition MPs. 

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