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<p>Since November, due to Houthi attacks, 12 international shipping companies have
been forced to suspend passage through the Red Sed, causing lengthy delays and disruption
to global supply chains. This has included causing insurance premiums for Red Sea
shipping to increase ten-fold; although, this only contributes a small fraction of
total costs passed onto the end-consumer.</p><p>These attacks therefore present a
risk of increased prices for consumer goods and energy. Be assured that the Government
is working closely with shipping operators to mitigate any potential impact on consumers,
and the shipping and supply chain sectors are well practiced at putting contingencies
in place to continue to meet their customer needs. The government continues to monitor
the situation closely.</p><p>Freedom of navigation across international shipping lanes
in the Red Sea must be protected. These illegal Houthi attacks are putting innocent
lives at risk, threatening regional security, and harming the global economy. In all,
we have seen more than 25 attacks against ships since the middle of November. This
is why the UK and the US, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and
Australia, carried out targeted strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen. This
action was necessary, legal, proportionate and right.</p>
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