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Written question asked by Bishop of Worcester (Bishops (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 September 2015. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 September 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Military Intervention

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that military action by coalition forces in Iraq does not displace civilians.

Answer

Defence's initial involvement last summer was to deliver immediate aid in support of humanitarian objectives. The Royal Air Force dropped nearly 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, the majority to the besieged Yazidi community on Mount Sinjar.

Individual members of the Coalition retain responsibility for the actions of their own forces. All UK air strikes are conducted under UK rules of engagement, which have been agreed for this campaign in accordance with the law. Close observation, careful selection and approval of targets before a strike, and the use of precision weapons minimises collateral damage and the potential for civilian casualties. This is in stark contrast with ISIL's complete disregard for human life and for the consequences of their actions for civilians.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2306
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Armed conflict Iraq Internally displaced people Military intervention
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk