§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what safeguards are in place to ensure United Kingdom troops are not involved in training overseas security forces later used in internal repression. [12347]
§ Dr. ReidThe provision of training for overseas security forces is a valuable tool in furthering the Government's defence and foreign policy objectives. Requests for training are considered on a case-by-case basis. Close contact is maintained between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and training would not be provided where we considered it would contribute to human rights violations. Even where human rights is not specifically covered, training provided by our military forces supports Government human rights policy by exposing overseas students to human rights standards and helping them develop an understanding of how armed forces operate in a democratic society.
§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training United Kingdom troops have given to the Kenyan army and security forces. [12348]
§ Dr. ReidIt has been the practice in the past not to release details of military assistance provided to other countries on the grounds that this information is confidential between Governments and disclosure would risk damaging our international relations. This practice is now being reviewed against the background of the Government's commitment to openness. I will write to my hon. Friend once the review is complete.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training of members of the Colombian police force in Colombia is being undertaken by the SAS. [12846]
§ Dr. ReidAny comment on such matters could cause harm in terms of one or more of the defence, security or international relations exemptions in the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".