The scenario worrying London: Andy Burnham considers dramatic request from Saudi Arabia

According to a Bloomberg report, Saudi Arabia has requested military and diplomatic assistance from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham against the Houthis in Yemen, including protection of its oil infrastructure. London is considering the request amid concerns over Houthi control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and a further spike in oil prices and inflation.

According to a Bloomberg report, Saudi Arabia has submitted a dramatic request to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for extensive military and diplomatic assistance against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi request includes operational support for its army to repel the Houthi advance along the Red Sea coast toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as assistance in protecting its oil infrastructure from attacks. Burnham is considering the request, which has not been officially published by the UK government. A British spokesperson stated that the UK would work with partners to support regional stability but declined to provide details. In the background, British officials fear severe economic consequences: Burnham's advisors have warned that Houthi control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would have a "catastrophic" impact on international shipping, leading to further increases in oil prices and inflation. Meanwhile, financial markets are pricing in five interest rate hikes by the Bank of England by the end of 2027, a step that would complicate Burnham's commitment to reducing the cost of living. Additionally, officials fear it could take up to six weeks to restore the East-West gas pipeline, a key Saudi solution since the Iran war closed exports through the Strait of Hormuz.