STORY
The UK has agreed to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive aerial refuelling support following a request from its Government. The request followed an increase in attacks on Saudi territory by Houthi forces based in Yemen.
One RAF Voyager aircraft is expected to be deployed in the coming days. Burnham said the arrangement would operate for a limited period, although the Government would keep the assistance under review.
The Prime Minister described the decision as part of British efforts to support regional stability and protect important trade and energy routes. The UK had previously deployed its Sky Sabre air defence system to Saudi Arabia following missile attacks linked to the wider conflict with Iran.