£2m pledge to tackle Yemeni crisis

Britain pledged £2 million in humanitarian aid today to help those affected by continuing fighting in northern Yemen.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said it was "essential" to act quickly to support people forced from their homes by a recent escalation in violence.

The money will be used to provide water, food, sanitation, healthcare and shelter, and comes in response to a recent United Nations appeal.

It will also help improve security and co-ordination of the humanitarian response effort in the Middle Eastern country.

Up to 150,000 people have been displaced by the conflict between the Yemeni government and the Al-Houthi rebels based in the Sa'dah region of the country.

Clashes, which broke out for the sixth time since 2004 in July but have intensified in August and September, have also spread to the Amran and Al Jawf areas.

Mr Alexander said he was "extremely concerned" by the deterioration of security in the country and re-stated calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

"The recent escalation in violence has meant that even more people have been forced to leave their homes," he said.

"One camp has reported that malnutrition among children is alarmingly high, so it's essential that we act quickly before these problems get worse.

"The UK's support will target those people in most urgent need, providing critical relief such as water, sanitation and food, as well as boosting UN capacity to respond to the broader humanitarian crisis."

He also urged both sides to allow humanitarian access to the worst-affected areas, adding: I welcome recent commitments made by regional partners to facilitate the safe passage of emergency relief supplies, and call on all parties to help ensure their practical delivery."