Ex-Defence Secretary Urges UK to Bolster Gulf Allies and Consider Houthi Strikes Amid Shifting US Priorities

Former UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has asserted that Britain must increase its support for Gulf allies, including contemplating strikes against the Houthis, due to a recalibration of US priorities. He stated in an interview with The National that the United States is increasingly focusing on homeland defence and the Indo-Pacific, consequently diminishing the relative importance of Europe and the Middle East in Washington's strategic outlook. Sir Michael characterized this shift as structural rather than temporary, noting the historical US role in European conflicts but emphasizing the current need for allies to share the burden.

"I think we should be doing more," Sir Michael stated, highlighting the importance of supporting partners and friends. He specifically suggested that Britain should be prepared to consider strikes against the Houthis, referencing the joint US-UK air campaign in January 2024. Sir Michael, who served as Defence Secretary from 2014 to 2017, made these remarks in Dubai on the sidelines of the inaugural Middle East chapter of Signum Global Advisors. He described the current US foreign policy approach as self-centered and warned that long-standing security guarantees are no longer assured.

When questioned about the reliability of US President Donald Trump, Sir Michael deflected, identifying Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most unreliable figure. However, he acknowledged the unpredictability in US policy shifts. He underscored the critical importance of Gulf security to the UK, stating, "Gulf security is our security." He elaborated that the region's trade and energy flows directly impact the British economy, influencing inflation and interest rates.

The article also touches upon the escalating Houthi conflict since July, their actions in the Red Sea, and threats to maritime routes like the Bab Al Mandeb strait, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While Britain has increased its support, such as deploying the Rapid Sentry air-defence system to Kuwait and providing an RAF Voyager tanker to Saudi Arabia, Sir Michael argued for more decisive action, particularly in addressing Houthi disruptions at their source.

Regarding Europe, Sir Michael criticized the continent's slow progress in reducing dependence on Russian energy and policing sanctions. He viewed a recent US Treasury waiver on Russian diesel sales as a miscalculation that could be perceived as weakness by Russia, potentially undermining global sanctions efforts. He also noted that Europe's continued purchase of Russian gas despite sanctions casts doubt on their effectiveness.

The discussion extended to the war in Ukraine, with Sir Michael expressing concern that steps might be taken to pressure Ukraine towards capitulation, which he believes would embolden Russia and endanger neighboring states like Moldova, Georgia, and the Baltic states. He warned that such an outcome could signal to other nations with territorial ambitions, such as China regarding Taiwan, that might makes right.

Sir Michael concluded by describing the current global situation as a "new age of instability and uncertainty," where a return to the previous order of international cooperation is unlikely. He cautioned about the heightened risk of miscalculation due to ongoing conflicts in both the Middle East and Europe, citing the potential for accidental escalation, such as mistaking a civilian airliner for a threat.