Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andy Slaughter and Penny Mordaunt

Monday 27th June 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

15. Whether the Government plan to publish a policy on the use of drones for targeted killing.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Penny Mordaunt)]

With regard to targeting or other rules of engagement, the use of remotely piloted air systems is no different to that of any other aircraft. Therefore, there is no separate policy for their use in this respect.

[Andy Slaughter]

With respect, it is evident that the Government intend to use lethal force outside armed conflict for counter-terrorism purposes, despite the legal basis for that being unclear. Will the Government clarify the legal basis on the use of drones for targeted killing outside of armed conflict?

[Penny Mordaunt]

We have been very clear that this is guided by international law. Where there is an identified, direct and immediate threat to the United Kingdom, and where we have no other means of dealing with it, we reserve the right to use force.