‘Britain is on board’: UK support helps US sell Houthi attack to public

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Andreas Krieg, an associate professor at King’s College London (KCL), says the US doesn’t need the UK from a military capabilities point of view, but Britain “brings a degree of legitimacy to the region because of its networks”.

Its support will also help the US president justify his decision to strike in Yemen with Congress and voters back at home.

Professor Krieg said it was no surprise that Britain, which “sees itself as a global player”, decided to retaliate against attacks in the Red Sea as it has “always been a champion of freedom of navigation”, while the current situation in the region is an “intolerable” one.

According to Professor Krieg, the partnership between the UK and US will make it easier for the leaders of both countries to “explain” their decision to the Commons and Congress respectively.

“It’s just about broadening the coalition burden-sharing, it’s an element of showing a united front,” he said.

Period	12 Jan 2024
Held at	iNews, United Kingdom