Andy Burnham has approved a time-limited RAF mission to help Saudi Arabia defend oil infrastructure against missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The RAF will provide air-to-air refuelling for Saudi or allied aircraft conducting defensive patrols, but will not support offensive strikes against Houthi positions. The deployment is intended to protect oil supplies and limit further pressure on global energy prices.

The operation is expected to begin within days and could last several weeks. An RAF Voyager aircraft based in Cyprus will be used, following Saudi Arabia’s request for Western assistance after attacks disrupted a pipeline serving the Red Sea coast. Burnham said the mission would help keep regional supply routes open and that he would urge Donald Trump to work towards ending the wider Middle East conflict.