Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to (a) recognise and (b) protect vessels carrying British personnel and civilians and lost to hostile action in a way that is comparable to military maritime graves; if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to do this; if she will consider extending a framework consistent with international principles on underwater cultural heritage to Government-owned wrecks in international waters; and whether the wreck of the SS Tilawa will be considered for designation as a protected heritage site.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The sinking of the SS Tilawa, and many other merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive appropriate protection. While the specific scope and purpose of the Armed Forces Bill preclude such an extension to merchant wrecks, we will continue to ensure underwater cultural heritage receives the highest levels of protection available in accordance with international law and best practice.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Government authorisation is required for refuelling, staging, maintenance, intelligence support and overflight, in addition to aircraft launching from UK territory.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity. This includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether missions supported from UK bases are approved on a case-by-case basis.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity. This includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he reviews target-level information before approving United States missions supported from UK bases.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

As announced by the Prime Minister on 1 March 2026, the Government agreed to a US request to use UK bases for specific and limited defensive purposes against facilities in Iran which are involved in launching strikes at regional allies.

All UK support to allies for operational purposes considers the legal basis and policy rationale for any proposed activity. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information on the detail of foreign nations' military operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what legal basis under international law underpins the Government’s definition of “defensive operations” in relation to support for United States military activity.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

As stated by the Prime Minister on 2 March 2026, our action is rooted in the principle of collective self‑defence of regional partners and in the protection of British lives. We have published a summary of our legal position, which sets this out clearly. We will keep this decision under review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what UK locations, including civilian airports, have been used to support United States aircraft transiting to operations in the Middle East since the start of the Iran conflict in February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

For operational security reasons, we will not comment further on foreign nations’ military aircraft movements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what definition he uses for defensive operations in relation to United States use of UK bases and airspace.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK Government’s legal position on defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks can be found here: Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks - GOV.UK

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