Motion Respecting the Freedom of the Sea and Anti-Piracy

This House Recogonizes that

1) In December 2023, Houthi Rebels in Yemen launched missile attacks and other operations against trade vessels in the Red Sea.

2) The Red Sea and Suez Canal form a vital trade route connecting Asia and Europe.

3) Since 1908’s Declaration of London, the Freedom of the Seas has grown into a core tenant of international law.

4) That under international convention, the act of establishing or attempting to establish a blockade of a sovereign state is considered an act of war.

5) That shortly after attacks against container ships, especially those containing US citizens, the United States launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.

6) That there is at present a lull in action, but fears are still growing about the resurgence of Piracy in the Red Sea and in East Africa.

That this House calls on the government to

1) Unilaterally condemn any military action that threatens the free use of the seas by any state without explicit support from the international community as a whole.

2) Pledge our support to future anti-piracy actions, through naval or air power, to preserve a vital trade artery for the UK economy and to protect British lives.

3) Deploy a naval task force to the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain to facilitate any anti-Piracy action in the region.

This motion was written by /u/phonexia2 on behalf of the Liberal Democrats

Deputy Speaker

This House needs decisive action, especially when we are witnessing an egregious breach of international law and protocol. We have the capability to help protect our vital shipping routes, and I am a firm believer that we are punched, we need to punch back. This is a motion that isn’t about the Israel-Palestine conflict, as much as those in our society want to frame it that way. This is about the legality of trade interdiction and piracy, both of which are illegal and acts of war under international convention.

Britain has held itself to a historic duty, to protect the seas that serve her vital shipping routes. It was in London that the very concept of Freedom of the Seas was born, and it shall not be in London where the concept dies. I am calling on this government, one that has claimed action after action against states breaking it alleges are breaking international law. I say to them, here is the clearest case yet. A rebel group, operating outside of the law, breaking international law and attacking civilian vessels in the world's busiest sea lane. There is no gray line, no ifs or buts, no debate on the rights of nations. No lies about WMDs or delusions about nationbuilding. I am saying that we authorize this government to act.

This is a clear test of Britain’s resolve and willingness to fight for the international order. Are we going to sit idly, or are we going to act?

This reading will end at 10pm on the 7th February.