Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 93101

Armed Conflict: Civilians

Tabled: 20 November 2025
Answered: 2 December 2025

Question

Helen Maguire

Liberal DemocratEpsom and Ewell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with international counterparts on levels of civilian harm caused by military practice in international conflicts.

Answer

Al Carns

Protection of civilians is directed through Joint Service Publication (JSP) 985, Human Security in Defence. It is at the heart of Defence’s human-centric approach to operations and is reflected in all relevant policies and operating procedures. The department engages regularly with international colleagues regarding this topic, including at ministerial level.