Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to designate the Houthis as a proscribed terrorist organisation.  [36343]

[Due for Answer on 26 October. Answered on 27 October.]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Security (Dan Jarvis): While we keep the list of proscribed organisations under review, it is the Government’s long-standing position not to comment on whether or not a specific organisation is being considered for proscription. Decisions to proscribe are taken only after a rigorous process in close consultation with operational partners, based on the best available intelligence and a careful assessment against the statutory test set out in the Terrorism Act 2000. The UK continues to work very closely with our international partners to address shared security threats. Each nation operates under its own legal framework, and any UK decision on proscription must be taken independently by the Home Secretary, in accordance with the Terrorism Act 2000.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the renewed escalation in Yemen. We have been clear in condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the renewed fighting in Yemen, while continuing to call for immediate de- escalation and a return to the UN-led political process. There can ultimately be no military solution to the conflict. The only sustainable way forward is political and diplomatic, and we remain in close contact with Saudi Arabia, the internationally recognised Government of Yemen and other partners as we work to restore stability and protect regional security.