HC Deb 06 July 1994 vol 246 c198W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the precise provisions of principle 24 of agenda 21 of the Rio declaration of June 1992; what is his policy in respect of implementing those provisions; and what specific guidance is given to the armed forces in respect of those aspects of principle 24 which commit signatories to fighting only environmentally friendly wars.

Mr. Hanley

As with other Governments participating in the Rio summit, the United Kingdom supports the broad principles enshrined in the Rio declaration, including principle 24, which says that states should respect international law providing protection for the environment in time of armed conflict. It is my Department's policy that the armed forces should act at all times in accordance with United Kingdom national and international law. Training in the law of armed conflict is given to all members of the armed forces.

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