'Shameful': UK to provide refueling support for Saudi warplanes amid war on Yemen

Britain is preparing to deepen its military involvement in Saudi Arabia’s renewed aggression against Yemen, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) set to provide aerial refueling support for Saudi warplanes.

The deployment would make Britain a direct military support partner in Saudi Arabia’s war against Yemen, adding RAF assistance to London’s longstanding military cooperation with Riyadh.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Britain would deploy an RAF Voyager aircraft to support Saudi Arabia for several weeks, with the arrangement subject to review.

He said the move was intended to protect British interests and regional security, particularly the continued flow of oil through key maritime routes.

The announcement comes amid renewed escalation between Yemen’s armed forces and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has sought additional military assistance from allies including the United States, Britain, France, Pakistan and Egypt.

British officials have described the planned refueling mission as “defensive,” citing the need to protect regional security and energy supplies. The RAF support would enable Saudi aircraft to extend their attacks by providing them with in-flight refueling.

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Britain’s decision has drawn criticism, including from former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who described the move as a “terrible and shameful decision,” saying it would deepen Britain’s involvement in the war and its military ties with Saudi Arabia.

The decision has also faced criticism on social media. One user, Sharon, said she was “disgusted with Burnham,” saying that the Labour government was on “the wrong side of history.”

Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked Britain for military support, including assistance in carrying out operations against Yemeni forces, after Washington rejected Riyadh’s requests for direct US military action.

Riyadh is seeking operational support as it attempts to counter Yemeni territorial gains towards the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and protect its oil infrastructure that has come under retaliatory attacks.

Burnham had earlier approved only the deployment of British military advisers.

The latest Saudi request follows reports that US President Donald Trump rejected urgent appeals from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for American airstrikes after Yemeni forces seized the strategic port of Mokha and advanced towards the strait. Washington instead opted for intelligence-sharing with Riyadh.

Yemeni Armed Forces have made rapid territorial gains in recent days, taking Mokha and other positions along the western coast after years of Saudi-led military operations, blockade and bombardment in Yemen.

Sana’a has said its military operations target Saudi military assets and economic infrastructure supporting the military operations, while maintaining that international shipping remains unaffected except for vessels linked to the Saudi-led aggression.

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