HL Deb 20 March 2003 vol 646 cc40-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the principles of international humanitarian law set forth in the Statute of the International Criminal Court would be binding upon the United Kingdom and its allies in the event of military action against Iraq; and, if not, which principles of international humanitarian law set forth in the statute would be inapplicable. [HL2054]

Baroness Amos

The Statute of the International Criminal Court sets out offences, including breaches of international humanitarian law, over which the court has jurisdiction under certain conditions. UK forces comply with the provisions of international humanitarian law in the conduct of any military operation. The USA and Iraq are not state parties to the ICC Statute.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the principles of public international law that govern and prescribe the circumstances in which it would be lawful for the United Kingdom and its allies to launch military action against Iraq, and the manner in which such action should be taken. [HL2053]

The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

Our view of the legal position on military action against Iraq was laid out in detail to the Foreign Affairs Committee and can be found in its 20 June 2002 report on the foreign policy aspects of the war against terrorism (http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/fachome.htm).