Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria is used by his Department to estimate the level of civilian casualties as a result of UK airstrikes.

In line with International Humanitarian Law, pre-strike assessments are undertaken to ensure that we minimise the risk to civilians and civilian objects. Post-strike the UK uses a range of methods, which may include the use of full motion video, to judge the effectiveness of its airstrikes and to determine whether we have caused civilian casualties. The Ministry of Defence is committed to investigating any credible reports that UK airstrikes have been responsible for civilian casualties.