In Yemen, 22.2 million people (80% of the population) need humanitarian assistance. Saudi Arabia has been accused by an independent UN panel of using the threat of starvation as 'an instrument of war'.
This is a UK issue. On the Security Council, the UK is the 'lead' country for Yemen. It also has close bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia - the country that is leading military action against Yemen's Houthi rebels and is, according to the UN, responsible for the majority of civilian deaths.
This month marks the four year anniversary of the escalation of the conflict. To mark this and to build further momentum in Parliament, here's how you can take action. At the end of the page there is a form so you can let us know how you got on. Please help us spread the word by sharing this page widely.
Take action
A 'Day for Yemen' in Parliament on 20 March: Ask your MP to meet you at the 'Day for Yemen' event in Parliament. There will be talks from Yemeni civil society aid workers who will relay to Parliamentarians their personal experience of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
MPs will be invited to drop-in to the event which will be from 3-7pm in the Brunel Room at One Great George Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AA. Please use this template letter/email to your MP. If you can attend the event in Parliament please write to your MP using this template letter. Check out our key asks and MP briefing to guide you.
If you cannot make it on the day, write to your MP.
Tips on writing to your MP
- Find out who your MP is by typing your postcode in at www.theyworkforyou.com
- Find their contact details MPs at www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
- Browse their personal website to find their email address for letters and surgery meetings for constituents. Send your letter to both email addresses.
- Get personal. Tailor the template letters/emails to your MP in your own words as this shows the strength of feeling you have about the issue.
Ask your MP to take action on your behalf in these ways:
(1) by writing a letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
(2) by speaking to the Secretary of State in person
(3) by raising your concerns as oral and written questions in parliament.
Don't forget to introduce yourself and include your full name and postal address in your correspondence.
MPs get hundreds of emails so it is very important to phone both the constituency and parliamentary offices and ask that they draw your email to the MPs attention. Try to build up a good relationship with the MP's secretary and keep in regular contact.
Ask your MP to keep in regular contact and to give you copies of any responses they receive.
Once you've sent your letter/email, please let UNA-UK know and share this webpage with your networks
Please do contact Paul Tippell, UNA-UK Yemen Constituency Coordinator if you have any questions. email paul.tippell@caobjects.com phone: 07970 868508 Please forward any replies you receive to info@una.org.uk
