Asked by: Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to initiate international discussions to implement regulations comparable to the Geneva Conventions for the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK's current view is that existing International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions, provides a robust and adaptable framework for the conduct of hostilities, including the use of AI-enabled capability. The UK believes that discussions should focus on norms of use and measures aimed at promoting the lawful design and responsible use of AI in the military domain. There are already a number of international discussions and processes examining these issues in which the UK is actively involved, and we keep these matters under regular review.
Asked by: Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to explain the whole-of-society approach to defence as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to the wider public.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The whole-of-society approach to deterrence and defence sets out how Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our national defence and resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.
The Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, in which Defence plays a key role, has begun this work by starting to familiarise the public with their role in national security and resilience.
The Ministry of Defence is already delivering on reconnecting Defence with society. For example, an extra £70 million funding has been allocated to kickstart the cadet growth programme, expanding the cadet forces by 30% by 2030, and will continue to work to strengthen civilian-military links with communities and industry. This was a Strategic Defence Review recommendation.
Asked by: Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to lead a national conversation on defence as recommended in the Strategic Defence Review 2025; and, if so, who will be leading it.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the noble Lord to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Armed Forces (Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP), in the House of Commons on the 2 December 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge) in response to Question 93395.