Yemen: Cluster Munitions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Yemen: Cluster Munitions

Jeff Smith Excerpts
Tuesday 24th May 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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Such a call would, of course, have no impact on the use of weapons that have already been supplied, so it would not achieve what the hon. Gentleman looks to do. The answer is that we are using our influence on the Saudi Arabians to encourage them to undertake investigations in circumstances where there has been conflict on the ground. This has been a war environment; difficult things happen in wars, and it is not possible to be absolutely certain about everything that takes place in such an environment. That is why it is important to investigate these allegations of actions that appear to be in breach of international humanitarian law.

Jeff Smith Portrait Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)
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The Minister said that no UK-made planes had dropped UK-made cluster bombs. [Hon. Members: “UK planes.”] Sorry, UK planes. Just to be clear, will he confirm whether UK planes have dropped any cluster bombs at all?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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There are no UK Royal Air Force planes involved in the coalition, and there are no cluster munitions in the arsenal of the British armed forces.