The Saudi official news agency reported that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the call, Burnham condemned the Houthi attacks that threaten freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and reiterated his country's support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Burnham on his new role and discussed bilateral cooperation, the agency said.
The Houthis had announced that they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday evening. They also said on Tuesday they had declared a 'naval blockade' against Saudi Arabia, describing it as retaliation for Riyadh's blockade on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday that one of its ships sailing in the Red Sea was targeted, causing a fire in the front part of the vessel but no casualties.
The report also noted that Andy Burnham was tasked with forming a government by King Charles on July 20, replacing Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister.