Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Wednesday, 13 July 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2016. It was answered by Michael Fallon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 July 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraphs 5.36 to 5.38 of the Cabinet Manual, whether the convention that a debate in Parliament should be held before troops are committed in military action applies to (a) the lethal use of armed drones, (b) military training and advisory missions (i) related to force-protection and (ii) where there is a risk of UK personnel engaging in combat in self-defence, (c) the use of special forces in long-term combat missions and (d) the embedding of UK military personnel in foreign militaries; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: This Government is committed to the convention that before troops are committed to combat the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate the matter, except where there was an emergency and such action would not be appropriate. The convention does not apply to British military personnel embedded in the armed forces of other nations.

Secondary information