London [UK], December 25: Britain and its allies will not allow the Red Sea to become a "no go" zone for shipping and will step up efforts to tackle Iran's "malign influence," Cabinet ministers have said.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said Britain was committed to "repelling" the attacks on ships using the vital trade route by an Iranian-backed group in Yemen. And Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Tehran must be sent an "incredibly clear message" that its activities would not be tolerated.
Shapps told the Sunday Times: "We are committed to protecting British interests - vessels sailing under a UK flag, or with British sailors or carrying goods destined for our shores.
"We have seen the disruption the terrorist attacks have caused - with major operators including Maersk and BP avoiding the region. We can't allow any maritime area to become a no-go area, particularly such a vital route. But wider than that, we need to promote a safer world." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune