Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2019 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Monday, 4 November 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

War Crimes: White Phosphorus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help prevent war crimes involving white phosphorus; and what assessment he has made of potential sanctions that the Government could put in place against countries using white phosphorus as a chemical weapon.

Answer: The UK is committed to preventing mass atrocities, including war crimes, using instruments such as diplomatic engagement, development and programmatic support, and defence and policing tools. White phosphorus is not a chemical weapon or a prohibited substance in itself, but the way it is used may be. Reports that white phosphorus has been used intentionally against civilians are extremely worrying as it would be contrary to international humanitarian law. It is important that the full facts are established. We will continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks against civilians irrespective of the weapon used.

Secondary information