Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the contribution of the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield of 15 July 2015, Official Report, column 887, what his policy is on deployment of armed drones outside of designated war zones; and if he will make a statement.

The decision to deploy aircraft is taken by Ministers after an assessment has been made on the effect that is required, together with the nature and location of the operation. The policy for the deployment of armed remotely piloted aircraft systems is the same as that for manned aircraft.