Huw Merriman, the transport minister, told Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle were told about the operation before it happened, despite briefings to the contrary.

Politics live: Row brews over Houthi strikes briefing

"I can confirm that the Leader of the Opposition and indeed the Speaker were again given that information in the same way they were the first time around," he said.

However Sir Lindsay is disputing this, Sky News understands.

Labour also said they were not told about the operation before it happened.

Karin Smyth, a shadow health minister, told GB News this morning: "We don't know why the government hasn't spoken to us on the usual terms.

"We would expect them to do that."

Speaking later at the Institute for Government, she said this mattered because of Sir Keir's "constitutional position as leader of the official opposition".

She said this means he should be briefed under the terms of the privy council, the mechanism through which interdepartmental agreement is reached on certain matters of government business.

"We've been very clear that these issues after immediate action or urgent action of course is done on those terms, the prime minister should come to parliament. That is his job," Ms Smyth said.

Number 10 said Sir Lindsay and Sir Keir "were informed last night", but refused to provide clarity on whether this was before the strikes were launched.

Last night the US and UK carried out joint attacks on Houthi military targets in Yemen for the second time, in response to their repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Ahead of the first strikes earlier this month, both Sir Keir and Sir Lindsay were briefed in advance.

Sir Keir expressed his support for the military intervention to protect ships and personnel in the vital trade route, in a rare showing of cross-party unity.

It is understood there will be a briefing today which Labour representatives will attend.

Lots of MPs have demanded parliament be given a vote on the strikes, amid concerns over escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Military intervention is currently a prerogative power, so the government does not have to seek approval.

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Mr Merriman said the prime minister will "account to parliament" by addressing MPs in the House of Commons later on Tuesday.

He said the latest air strikes in the Red Sea will "not just be a one-off" if the Houthis continue their campaign of harassment against cargo ships in the region.

"For us to take action and then the Houthis respond, and then we do nothing, would send out the completely wrong signal," he told Sky News.

"So, this demonstrates that we will be tough and we will take all measures required against the Houthis to protect international shipping and protect the lives of those who operate those ships."