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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 23 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Ellie Reeves (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2026 on behalf of the Attorney General.


Iran: USA

Question

To ask the Solicitor General, whether the Attorney General has provided legal advice on granting permission to the United States to launch offensive military action against Iran from (a) Diego Garcia and (b) RAF Fairford.

Answer

As you may know, the Law Officers’ Convention applies to advice which may or may not have been given by the Law Officers, or requested of the Law Officers, and the Convention applies to your question.

The Law Officers’ Convention can be found at paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
115120
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Legal opinion Diego Garcia Iran USA Military operations RAF Fairford
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk