Oral Answers to Questions

Royston Smith Excerpts

Monday 15th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ellwood]

They should be, and that is why, even within the time of this Government, we have seen the number of women in one-star postings or above increase from 10 to 20, for example, and why we have opened up every role in the armed forces to women as well.

[Royston Smith (Southampton, Itchen) (Con)]

4. What the Government’s policy is on the use of drones to target Daesh fighters in Syria and Iraq.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

The Government’s policy on the use of remotely piloted air systems to target Daesh fighters in Syria and Iraq is no different from targeting conducted by a manned aircraft. All UK targeting is conducted in accordance with UK and international law.

[Royston Smith]

Our drones are piloted in the same way as fixed-wing strike aircraft, but the pilots do not have the same service life as pilots in frontline squadrons. Some drone pilots find it difficult to switch between being on live operations and being at home with their families. Will the Secretary of State confirm what support we give to drone pilots, and does it recognise the peculiar circumstances of their role?

[Gavin Williamson]

We recognise that this is a new form of warfare, and we have been working very closely with those engaged in it, making sure they have that support and that it is put in place before they go on operations, during and after. We are also working very closely with the United States air force to make sure we learn the lessons they have learned over the past few years so that our service personnel might benefit.