Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 26 November 2025 (HL11857), what (1) progress they have made, and (2) further investigations they plan, in assessing allegations that foreign nationals participated in killings during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s; and in particular, in light of the ongoing investigation by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office and reports in The Times on 17 June that some participants may have been British nationals, what steps they have taken with (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and (2) Italy, to establish whether any British nationals were involved.

Answer: This Government welcomes the efforts of prosecutors in Italy and elsewhere to investigate these very serious allegations and ascertain the facts. The UK continues to support international and domestic mechanisms for prosecuting war crimes. We will, wherever needed, cooperate with the governments of Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and other relevant authorities to ensure justice is done. The UK remains in close contact with BiH authorities to address the legacies of past conflicts and prevent their recurrence. I met Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković on 1 June to reaffirm UK support and condemn divisive rhetoric by some BiH politicians. These allegations remind us of the enduring need to confront impunity, for the sake of lasting peace and reconciliation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1222
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Bosnia and Herzegovina: Armed Conflict
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Armed conflict British nationals abroad Bosnia and Herzegovina Italy War crimes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk