Grant Shapps says ‘enough is enough’ after Houthi attacks

       Britain and the US are preparing to strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen tonight following Red Sea attacks, it is understood.

       Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a full Cabinet call this evening to discuss the crisis.

       An emergency Cobra meeting is said to have taken place this morning followed by a meeting of the National Security Council, the Times reported. Downing Street did not deny the reports.

       It comes after Defence Secretary Grant Shapps yesterday hinted that the UK and Western allies could take action against Yemen-based Houthis if attacks in the Red Sea continue.

       British and American naval forces on Tuesday downed 21 drones and missiles in what was believed to be the largest assault yet from the Iranian-backed group.

       Grant Shapps previously warned 'watch this space' (Image: GETTY)

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       Mr Shapps warned there would be consequences if attacks persist amid growing global concern about the disruption in the key global shipping route.

       He told Sky News: "We must be clear with the Houthis, that this has to stop and that is my simple message to them today, and watch this space."

       The Houthis have claimed the onslaughts are in response to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

       US Central Command said a total of 18 attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and an anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down in the operation on Tuesday which involved HMS Diamond, US warships and F/A-18 fighter jets.

       It said the attack was the 26th Houthi assault on the Red Sea shipping lanes since November 19.

       The Prime Minister's official spokesman said on Wednesday: "I am not going to speculate about how we will or will not respond to continued attacks.

       "We do reserve the right to take further steps to protect commercial shipping and avoid the risk of further destabilising the region. That is something we will keep under review."

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       There has been speculation that a response could involve strikes on the Houthi command centres.

       Some major shipping lines and oil giant BP have already diverted vessels around southern Africa, adding time and costs to journeys, rather than risk the Red Sea.

       Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron told MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea which had come in the wake of the Gaza conflict were "unacceptable" in one of the "most important sea lanes".

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