§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention permits the use of the high seas for military action, other than in accordance with a United Nations Security Council Resolution or in self-defence. [HL1307]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe use of force, including in self-defence, is governed by general international law and in particular the Charter of the United Nations. The freedom of the high seas, which is codified in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, includes freedom of navigation for military vessels and the right to engage in lawful military activities.