§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 3 April (WA 148), whether they will publish the guidance given to civil servants and members of the Armed Forces relating to duties imposed upon them by international and United Kingdom humanitarian and civil law in the conduct of military action in Iraq; and [HL2466]
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 3 April (WA 148), whether a manual of military law or other similar publication is distributed to members of the Armed Forces containing guidance about the duties imposed upon them by international and United Kingdom humanitarian and civil law; and, if so, whether they will make the publication available to the public. [HL2467]
§ Lord BachWe do not issue a manual of military law to members of the Armed Forces, although legal advisers are embedded within the chain of command for operations. The Civil Service Code is available on the Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk). I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I gave on 3 April (Official Report, columnWA 148). The Rules of Engagement under which British Armed Forces in Iraq operate fully reflect our obligations under the law of armed conflict to ensure minimum use of force to achieve military objectives. It would be inappropriate to publish the rules of engagement, since to do so could jeopardise operations. I am therefore withholding that information under Exemption 1 (Defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.