Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Special Forces: Independent Oversight

Monday 21 September 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial position remains that UK special forces operations are not commented on to avoid risks to personnel and operations.
  • All military operations, including those of special forces, are overseen and scrutinised by Ministers accountable to Parliament.
  • The Government will not commit to a review of the "no comment" policy regarding special forces operations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Defence
Context

The question addresses the potential benefits and merits of establishing a separate entity to oversee special forces operations, aiming for enhanced scrutiny.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an independent body to oversee the operations of the UK's Special Forces.

Answer from Ben Wallace

It has been the longstanding position of successive Governments not to comment on the operations activity of the UK special forces, as to do so would put personnel and operations at risk. All military operations are overseen and scrutinised by Ministers, who are accountable to this Parliament.

Not addressed: The specific ask about establishing an independent oversight body was avoided.

How: Stated A Long-Held Policy, Did Not Commit To Review

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Q2 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Defence Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Saab announced intentions to establish a facility for their technology, seeking government support.

Question

Special forces deserve the very best technological support. Swedish technology company Saab announced in July that it intends to establish a centre in the UK for forward combat air systems. The optimal location for that facility is in east-central Scotland, where Saab can benefit not only from clustering with leading industrial partners, such as Leonardo, Babcock and Raytheon, but from our world-class universities and more widely with BAE and Thales in Glasgow. What steps will the Secretary of State take to work with Saab to help it establish in Scotland?

Answer from Ben Wallace

An interesting angle for special forces. I am not sure we are going to put a special forces base in Angus. We absolutely want the best technology. We recognise that international partners can also bring that technology, and when we work together in partnership, recognising that British prosperity is as important as anything else, we can get a good result for our forces, who get the best kit. It is also good for our economy, so that we get the good jobs and skills that we desperately need around the UK and ensure that the science base is strong and able to compete post Brexit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about actions towards establishing Saab in Scotland was not directly addressed.

How: Acknowledged Technology Importance, Talked Broadly About Economy

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Q3 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Defence Democracy & Elections Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The current government's stance on not commenting hinders parliamentary scrutiny over special forces operations.

Question

The current Government's adoption of a “no comment” policy prevents any parliamentary scrutiny of the role of UK special forces in defence and security strategy, even when their involvement in operations becomes the subject of media coverage. Will the Secretary of State commit to a review of the “no comment” policy for UK special forces, and enable parliamentary oversight of their activities, placing them on a similar footing to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ?

Answer from Ben Wallace

As I say, it is a long-held policy of many Governments not to comment on special forces. They are accountable to me and to the law, and where we see any issues, Ministers will of course intervene. I will not commit to a further review; that is a longstanding policy. Our special forces do an absolutely amazing job saving lives around the world and protecting our citizens. They operate in the covert world to achieve that effect and make sure their lives are not put at risk.

Not addressed: The specific ask about conducting a review was avoided.

How: Stated Longstanding Policy, Emphasized Effectiveness

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