§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend terminating the bombing of Iraq by the United Kingdom and the United States which was described by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean as an "exceptional" and "limited" use of force, as "the only means to avert an immediate and overwhelming humanitarian catastraphe" (16 November 1998, WA 140); and whether in the light of an objective assessment of the factual circumstances and currently developing opinions in the Security Council, they will now consult the Security Council concerning the usefulness of the bombing. [HL3995]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalUK and US aircraft continue to patrol the No Fly Zones over Iraq, established in response to a situation of overwhelming humanitarian necessity. Since December, Iraqi forces have conducted a sustained campaign to shoot down our aircraft, which have responded in self-defence, as is their right under international law, while making every effort to avoid civilian casualties. These actions are unconnected to last December's Operation Desert Fox, to which I believe the noble Lord refers. Our priority in the Security Council is to build consensus on a new way forward on Iraq. We are encouraged by the support received so far for the comprehensive approach set out in our draft resolution.