Afghanistan (Force Protection) Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Afghanistan (Force Protection)

Rehman Chishti Excerpts
Monday 17th September 2012

(12 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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A number of sophisticated surveillance devices are in operation and additional surveillance capabilities have been deployed over the weekend. I cannot comment, for obvious reasons, on the detailed nature of those surveillance methods, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that additional surveillance of the perimeter fence is now in place.

Rehman Chishti Portrait Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the use of drone strikes, which has killed many civilians, needs to be reviewed?

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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The use of unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct strikes is always the subject of careful scrutiny before it is authorised. There are circumstances in which that is the most appropriate way of executing a target in Afghanistan. I agree that it is better to use manned aircraft or ground forces when it is practical and can be done without undue risk to coalition forces.