Asked by: Lord Bishop of Chelmsford (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prevent being drawn into offensive military action against Iran.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK did not participate in the initial strikes carried out by Israel and the USA. It is the longstanding British Government position that the best way forward for the region and the world is a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions. Despite this, Iran has attacked British personnel and bases, civilians, and countries that did not participate in the initial strikes.
All activity so far conducted by the UK has been for defensive purposes; however, the best way to end the threat posed by Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate attacks is to destroy the missiles and launchers at source. That is why the Prime Minister agreed to a US request for permission to use British bases to conduct defensive operations to take out Iranian missiles before they are fired at our people and our allies.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Chelmsford (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the status of the £400 million debt owed to the government of Iran for the non-delivery of Chieftain tanks in 1979; and what steps they are taking to repay it.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
Her Majesty’s Government acknowledges International Military Services’ debt and remains committed to exploring all options for a practicable and legally-viable means of discharging it, and intensive efforts are underway to that end. We will not, however, comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.