VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Iran: Armed Conflict

Asked by Dr Ellie ChownsGreen PartyMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 23 March 2026UIN 120417

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of the risk of UK-made weapons components being used to inflict civilian casualties in Iran.

Answered by Luke Pollard

We are appalled by all reports of civilian deaths – in both Iran and the region. Innocent civilians should never be caught in the crossfire.

The Business and Trade Secretary is responsible for licensing the export of military goods. In his decisions he draws on advice from the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary. All licences are assessed in line with the robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria and are kept under careful and continual review as standard.

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