Hilary Benn MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, speaking ahead of UN-mediated talks on Yemen, said:

“The humanitarian situation in Yemen is increasingly desperate, with many civilians being killed by airstrikes and reports of potential breaches of international humanitarian law by the Saudi military, which involve the use of British supplied weapons.

“That’s why I am calling on the Government to launch an immediate review of arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia in the light of these reports.

“I welcome the UN-mediated talks beginning tomorrow in Switzerland and urge all parties to the conflict to observe the temporary ceasefire. The UK Government should use its diplomatic leverage to ensure a long-term ceasefire and improved humanitarian access so as to pave the way for a peace agreement.“