A former Tory cabinet minister has accused the UK of being “dangerously complicit” in a Saudi policy toward Yemen that is “directly promoting a famine and the collective punishment of an entire population”.

The former international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell said Britain’s engagement in conflict was “doomed to strategic failure”. He warned of a humanitarian catastrophe “the likes of which we have not seen in decades”.

A Saudi-led coalition has conducted bombing missions in Yemen with arms and military support from the US, UK and other countries. Mitchell, who has visited Yemen, claimed Saudi Arabian policy violated international law.

The British government insists it is pressing Saudi Arabia to lift the restrictions and negotiate a new inspections regime.

Mitchell’s intervention came as UN humanitarian agencies in Yemen pleaded with Saudi Arabia toSuddenly, the world of football is taking notice of Southampton. Firmly in the Premier League top four and with European football beckoning, the Saints do seem destined for higher things. Neville Johnson went to talk to the club's Grounds Manager, Andy Gray, about his own sainthood, how things were changing at pitch level there, and get an update on a big project

The Saint's Andy Gray is a rarity in topflight football. He's a 'local boy' and has been at one club from the word go; except for what, on the playing side, would be called a loan deal with neighbouring AFC Bournemouth in 2005 when, for two years whilst still on the books at Southampton, he looked after the Dean Court pitch.

He's been a Saint's groundsman since 10th