§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are in place to ensure that a British mercenary is unable to be employed in activity against British interests. [37173]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 makes it an offence for a British subject without licence from Her Majesty to enlist in the armed forces of a foreign1162W state at war with another foreign state which is at peace with the UK. However, no successful prosecutions have been brought under the Act.
The FCO published on 12 February a consultation paper entitled "Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation", which examines the involvement of the private sector in military and security activity and outlines options for regulation. The FCO welcomes comments on this issue prior to the ministerial decisions.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what regulations are in place to ensure that private military companies based in the UK are held accountable for their actions. [37171]
§ Mr. MacShaneNo regulations specifically directed towards the activities of private military companies are presently in place.
That is why, in its Paper entitled "Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation" which was published on 12 February, the FCO outlined options for regulating the activities of private military companies. The Government will make final decisions after the six-month consultation period.