Written question asked by Jim Murphy (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 June 2011. It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 June 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: (4) whether the decision to deploy British attack helicopters in Libya was taken at a meeting of the National Security Council.

Answer: The decision to send Apache helicopters to Libya was taken on 26 May 2011, and came after careful consideration of the tactical and strategic advantages they offered and the associated risks. The issue was discussed on several occasions by the National Security Council at ministerial and official level, and between the UK and international partners, including the French, before reaching a decision.UK Apache helicopters were declared officially to NATO at midnight on 31 May 2011. I subsequently authorised the active use of our Apaches in combat missions in support of Operation Unified Protector seeing their first use on 3 June 2011.The mix of assets contributed by the UK to Operation Unified Protector is reviewed regularly by the Ministry of Defence and wider Government. UK Apache helicopters are employed under NATO command and control. It is not possible to say in advance exactly which targets they will be used against as this is an operational matter. All targets engaged will be in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

Secondary information