§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the status in international law of the No Fly Zones in Iraq; and whether the rules of war are applicable to any attacks the United States or the United Nations may make on Iraq in these or other areas.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe No Fly Zones were established in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 688 (1991) because of the circumstances of severe humanitarian need and to prevent the repression of the civilian population by the Iraqi regime.
Allied aircraft in the No Fly Zones have the inherent right to self-defence in response to any imminent threat to their safety. They would comply with principles of humanitarian law on any such occasion.