The Government believes that international law on the use of military force is absolutely clear. There must be a lawful basis for such force to be used and activities must be conducted in accordance with the law of war or international humanitarian law. This is as true when considering the possible use of remotely piloted aircraft systems as it is with any other military asset or weapon. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems are a relatively new military asset, and their use, whether armed or unarmed, will continue to evolve. However, the existing international legal framework is clear and robust; and, as with any other weapons system, it is fully capable of governing their use. We do not need to rewrite the laws of war in order to be confident that, when used in such lawful circumstances, remotely piloted aircraft systems operate in the same legal environment as other military means. We have set this position out previously including at the UN Human Rights Council in response to the report of the Special Rapporteur.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Anelay of St Johns"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-28T16:39:08.9915101Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what steps they are taking to support the formulation of United Nations guidance on the application of human rights law to drone use.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1660", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Judd"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Judd"} ], "uin" : "HL2240"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100133", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100133/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Hermes 450 Unmanned Air System was procured by the Ministry of Defence from Thales UK as a service provision in response to an Urgent Operational Requirement. The Department has therefore never owned the equipment and does not have access to the unit cost.
Watchkeeper is a system delivering an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability and comprising a number of elements including air vehicles, ground control stations, data terminals, ground equipment and sensors, as well as infrastructure and training facilities. Delivery of the complete Watchkeeper system is enabled by the Demonstration, Manufacture and In-Service Support contract with the prime contractor, Thales UK. As a contract for delivering the entire system, it does not lend itself to the individual identification of the unit cost of a Watchkeeper aircraft.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-28T16:54:53.2201268Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the unit cost is of the (a) Hermes 450 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and (b) Watchkeeper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1433", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Angus Robertson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Moray"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Angus Robertson"}
], "uin" : "211342"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91826", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91826/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The safe operation of civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the UK is governed by the requirements of the Air Navigation Order 2009 (ANO). RPAS with an operating mass of more than 20 kg are subject to regulation as manned aircraft.<\/p>
<\/p>
Those with an operating mass of 20kg or less (referred to as \u2018small unmanned aircraft\u2019) are exempt from the majority of the regulations that normally apply to manned aircraft. However, their use is specifically covered by two articles within the ANO, which legislate for the \u2018general\u2019 flying aspects and the flight of those equipped for surveillance (articles 166 and 167). Article 138 concerning \u2018endangering the safety of any person or property\u2019 also remains applicable.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1557", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Kramer"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Kramer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-13T12:21:00.3298917Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what permissions and licences are required to operate drones for commercial or leisure use.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3526", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Berkeley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Berkeley"} ], "uin" : "HL1884"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91943", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91943/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Yes.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1444", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Mark Francois"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rayleigh and Wickford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Mark Francois"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-14T15:13:29.6498795Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2014, Official Report, column 359W, on unmanned air vehicles, whether there is a designated UK officer at Creech airbase responsible for ensuring that embedded UK officers comply with Joint Services Publication 398.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "true", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1463", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Watson of Wyre Forest"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Bromwich East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Tom Watson"} ], "uin" : "209502"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91947", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91947/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made in the House on 16 October 2014 (Official Report, column 35WS) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence (Michael Fallon).<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1444", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Mark Francois"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rayleigh and Wickford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Mark Francois"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91947/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "16 October 2014.doc UK Operations Against ISIL.doc"} , "title" : "Hansard Extract 16 October 2014"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "previousAnswerVersion" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91947/answer/previousversion/22750", "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1444", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Mark Francois"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rayleigh and Wickford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Mark Francois"} } , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-27T16:36:10.4191467Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any UK Reapers or personnel from the UK Reaper Force Squadron have moved from Afghanistan to Qatar or another location in the Gulf in the last year.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1463", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Watson of Wyre Forest"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Bromwich East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Tom Watson"} ], "uin" : "209545"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91733", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/91733/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We have no plans to respond in writing to the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism dated 28 February 2014. However, the United Kingdom was represented at the UN Human Rights Council expert meeting on 22 September, where we once again set out our position on the legality of Remotely Piloted Air Systems.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bournemouth East"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Tobias Ellwood"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-14T13:07:14.0198549Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 17 March 2014 to Question 191665, if his Department will respond in writing to the final report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism dated 28 February 2014 by the Human Rights Council expert meeting on 22 September 2014 concerning the use of armed drones.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1483", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for John Hemming"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Yardley"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "John Hemming"} ], "uin" : "209216"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/90474", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/90474/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
<\/p>
Core Defra has not acquired or used any quadcopters or similar remote controlled devices.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1504", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dan Rogerson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Cornwall"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dan Rogerson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-09-09T09:58:23.4829206Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many quadcopters or similar remote controlled devices her Department has purchased; for what purpose such quadcopters were so purchased; and at what cost to the public purse such quadcopters were so purchased.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1200", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Greg Knight"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Yorkshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Greg Knight"} ], "uin" : "208032"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/90499", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/90499/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
No quadcopters or other designs of unmanned air vehicles have been purchased by the Home Office.<\/p>
"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4110", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Karen Bradley"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Staffordshire Moorlands"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Karen Bradley"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-09-09T08:13:01.1326695Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many quadcopters or similar remote controlled devices her Department has purchased; for what purpose such quadcopters were so purchased; and at what cost to the public purse such quadcopters were so purchased.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1200", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Greg Knight"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Yorkshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Greg Knight"} ], "uin" : "208031"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/78172", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/78172/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<\/p>
The Ministry of Defence is investing over £100 million in future combat air systems as part of the £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the Armed Forces.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-08-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-08-07T10:55:25.1225296Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release from the Prime Minister's Office of 14 July 2014, entitled PM announces £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the armed forces, how much he plans to invest in unmanned future combat air systems.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1438", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Durham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Kevan Jones"} ], "uin" : "206101"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/65669", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/65669/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
On current planning, personnel from Number 39 Squadron will remain at Creech Air Force base following the cessation of NATO International Security Force missions in Afghanistan. One RAF pilot will remain embedded with the USAF 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron. There are no UK personnel embedded with 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force base.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1444", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Mark Francois"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rayleigh and Wickford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Mark Francois"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-07-08T15:47:38.6089652Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-07-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Unmanned Air Vehicles"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2014, Official Report, column 598W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, whether any UK personnel other than RAF personnel embedded with the 432nd Wing will remain at Creech following cessation of the NATO ISAF missions in Afghanistan.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "true", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1463", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Watson of Wyre Forest"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Bromwich East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Tom Watson"} ], "uin" : "204034"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&hansardHeading=Unmanned+Air+Vehicles&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-11-03T14%3A53%3A19.7917741Z", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 31, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }