Skip to main content

Written question asked by Roz Savage (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Military Operations: Parliamentary Scrutiny

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will commit to seeking prior parliamentary approval before permitting foreign military operations to be launched from UK air bases, including RAF Fairford.

Answer

As the Prime Minister shared on 1 March 2026, the US requested permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive purposes. The request was accepted to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
114759
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Parliamentary scrutiny Military bases Military operations RAF Fairford
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk