Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2022 Political Declaration on strengthening the protection of civilians from the humanitarian consequences arising from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, what steps he is taking to (a) prevent and (b) mitigate the potential impact on civilians of military strikes in Yemen.

The UK is proud to be a signatory of the 2022 Political Declaration on use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The UK has robust procedures to ensure that all military operations, including airstrikes, are conducted in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law and in a manner that reflects the UK's clear commitment to the protection of civilians. In planning military strikes in Yemen, as with all military operations, particular care was taken to minimise any risk of civilian casualties. As my Rt Hon friend the Prime Minister made clear in his statement to the House on 15 January (Column 577), we have seen no evidence of any collateral damage or civilian casualties arising from the strikes conducted by the Royal Air Force on Houthi military facilities.