Written question asked by Alison Thewliss (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 18 April 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 April 2016. It was answered by Penny Mordaunt (Conservative) on Friday, 22 April 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what advice was provided by UK service personnel to the Saudi military prior to 8 May 2015 on international humanitarian law and the designation of civilian populated city regions as valid military targets.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence has a longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, including the provision of training and advice in a broad range of areas including International Humanitarian Law. The education and training courses which Saudi Arabian military personnel have completed includes courses such as Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context, the Strategic Leadership Programmes, and Initial Officer training courses. These courses expose Saudi military personnel to UK policy, and promote concepts of accountability, compliance with International Humanitarian Law and transparency. They are important in building skills which enable Saudi Arabia to deal appropriately with their own security problems, thereby contributing to regional security.

Secondary information