Military Action Overseas: Parliamentary Approval

Debate between Iain Duncan Smith and James Heappey

Tuesday 17th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Duncan Smith]

rose—

[James Heappey]

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

[The Prime Minister]

I will make just a little more progress.

As the exception makes clear, there are also situations when coming to Parliament in advance would undermine the security of our operations or constrain our armed forces’ ability to act quickly and decisively. In these situations, it is right for the Prime Minister to take the decision and then to be held accountable to Parliament for it. I give way to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith).