UK Backs Saudi Arabia Against Houthis as France Urges EU Action on Energy Costs

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved military support for Saudi Arabia in its confrontation with Houthi rebels, deploying an RAF refuelling aircraft to help safeguard regional stability and energy supplies as oil prices climb.

The decision comes amid heightened Middle East tensions that have pushed crude and gas prices higher, adding pressure on European economies. France has responded by calling on the European Union to act swiftly to curb surging energy costs, proposing delays to methane-emissions rules and a easing of refinery regulations.

Burnham is also set to use the UN General Assembly to cast Britain as an "honest broker" on artificial intelligence governance. He aims to bridge differences between the United States and China through the UK's forthcoming G20 presidency, while pressing for international action to manage AI risks and security threats.

Separately, US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump argued the attacks are deepening a global diesel shortage and driving inflation, as Washington pursues an energy-related de-escalation alongside broader efforts to end the war.