PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Syria: Military Intervention (4 July 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the UK is taking, as a member of the US-led Counter-Daesh coalition, to ensure that civilian casualties are minimised in the military offensive in Raqqa.

Asked by:
Alison McGovern (Labour)

The RAF's targeting process is rigorous: the protection of civilians is at its heart. Commanders constantly weigh the arguments for and against strikes in their consideration of whether or not to give permission. Parameters are set in advance of each planned strike to minimise the risk of collateral damage. UK aircrews always operate in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, the Law of Armed Conflict and under strict Rules of Engagement. Our pilots can - and do - decide, right up to the last minute, NOT to strike if they have any reason to believe there is a risk of causing civilian casualties.

There is no evidence from the operations so far - either from our own detailed assessments which take place after every strike, or from the information provided to us by third parties - that any RAF airstrikes have caused civilian casualties.

Answered by:
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative)
10 July 2017