Oral Answers to Questions

Lizzi Collinge Excerpts

Monday 16th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Will we look at the Royal Gibraltar Regiment as well, Secretary of State?

[Lizzi Collinge (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking to protect UK armed forces personnel in the middle east.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)]

Our outstanding armed forces are in the middle east, protecting our people, our interests and our allies. The Royal Air Force has now conducted over 550 hours of defensive operations in five countries, and drones have been shot down by UK forces almost daily. We now have more jets flying in the region than at any time in the last 15 years.

[Lizzi Collinge]

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. About 10 days ago, we saw alleged attacks by both US and Iranian forces on water desalination plants in the middle east, which is in direct contravention of international law. Civilians in the middle east are reliant on desalinated water for survival, and targeting it is absolutely unacceptable. Can the Secretary of State confirm that UK forces operating in the middle east continue to operate fully under international law, and that we condemn operations that target civilian infrastructure?

[John Healey]

My hon. Friend is right: Iran’s widespread strikes have shown a total disregard for civilian life. Because I strengthened British defences in the region ahead of this conflict with extra jets, radars and defence systems, from day one we have been co-ordinating defensive actions, with a sound legal basis, to protect British citizens and bases, and our allies in the region. I am proud of the skill and dedication that our armed forces are showing in the middle east.