Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question 16763, what discussions his Department has had with civil society organisations since 3 December 2024 to evaluate its approach to civilian harm mitigation and response.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Mitigating civilian harm is central to Defence’s approach to human security. We work through multiple channels to promote human security, with a particular emphasis on protecting civilians. We actively engage with civil society organisations on this issue, recognising the value of their expertise and perspectives.
Since December 2024, engagement has taken place through in-person meetings and online discussions, as well as participation in civil society-led forums. We have also contributed to international workshops and conferences, including through the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for which we are now co-chairs, and attending the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas international conference.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when an RAF aircraft was last deployed from RAF Akrotiri on a strike mission; and what the intended target was.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
On 29 April 2025, RAF Typhoon FGR4s deploying from RAF Akrotiri conducted strikes against Houthi weapons manufacture facilities in Yemen.
This action was in line with long-standing policy of the UK Government to support wider efforts to uphold freedom of navigation within the Red Sea.
It was reported to Parliament on 30 April 2025.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the RAF has deployed Shadow R1 surveillance flights to Gaza since 15 January 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Since the terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals.
In support of this, the Royal Air Force has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including in airspace over Israel and Gaza. For the avoidance of doubt, our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only.
I cannot comment further on detailed intelligence matters for reasons of operational security.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the British Palestinian Committee entitled British Military Collaboration with Israel, published on 28 January 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We will consider the report and continue to act in line with our obligations to International Law.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he met General Oded Basyuk of the Israel Defense Forces in January 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
No.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many meetings his Department has had with Israel Defense Forces personnel since 5 July 2024; who participated in those meetings; and when those meetings took place.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Israel is an important regional partner for the UK and we have a broad relationship including on Defence. The Ministry of Defence routinely conducts bilateral Defence engagement with the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian Authority, and the US, as part of the concerted UK effort to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when a General of the Israel Defense Forces last visited his Department.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The last visit to the Ministry of Defence by a General of the Israel Defense Forces took place on Wednesday 22 January 2024, by Major General Oded Basyuk.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met a General of the Israel Defense Forces.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence last met with a General of the Israel Defense Forces on Friday 2 August 2024, during a visit to hold an introductory meeting with the Israeli Defence Minister, and discuss efforts to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to repeal the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Victims) Act 2021.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
We have no plans to repeal the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021.
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to respond to the recommendations of the report entitled Strengthening UK Military Investigations into Civilian Harm, published by the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights on 26 November 2024.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I thank the hon. Member for raising this report with the Department.
Where the UK undertakes military action, it is conducted in full accordance with UK and international law.
Military action is meticulously planned in accordance with the recognised IHL principles of proportionality, military necessity, distinction and humanity, as well as in line with relevant policies such as the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict; Joint Service Publication 985 – Human Security in Defence. Great care is taken to minimise the risk of harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, and this sits at the core of our approach.
Working level discussions are ongoing between Ministry of Defence officials, our allies, and civil society organisations to share and promote best practice on civilian harm mitigation.