Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

United Nations Charter

Monday 16 March 2026 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK notified the UN Security Council of defensive counter-air operations under article 51 of the United Nations charter on 7 March.
  • The UK asserts it is protecting British nationals in accordance with international law without providing support for war crimes.
  • Concerns about damage to Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites have been raised with international partners for assessment and repair efforts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Khan questions the UK's compliance with international law regarding its support for actions in conflict zones.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to meet its legal obligations under articles 2(4) and 51 of the United Nations charter. When nations commit war crimes, the UN charter makes it plain that other nations must not provide any support or assistance. The UK is aiding and abetting this illegal war by allowing US aircraft on British bases.

Answer from Alistair Carns

The UK's priority is supporting British nationals and our partners in accordance with international law. On 7 March, the UK notified the UN Security Council of defensive counter-air operations taken under article 51 of the United Nations charter. We will not apologise for protecting UK nationals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether allowing US aircraft on British bases breaches international law.

How: Let Me Talk A Little Bit About Crimes, Supporting Uk Nationals

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Q2 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Khan criticises the involvement of the UK in a conflict that he perceives as illegal.

Question

When nations commit war crimes, other nations must not provide support or assistance. The UK is aiding and abetting this illegal war by welcoming US aircraft on British bases to load them with 2,000 lb bombs. The public does not support the involvement in this war. Would the Defence Secretary like to explain why they are wrong?

Answer from Alistair Carns

Supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis with lethal aid has been killing British forces. We will not apologise for protecting UK nationals.

Not addressed: Did not address why supporting US aircraft is legal or ethical under international law.

How: Let Me Talk A Little Bit About Crimes

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Q3 Yuan Yang Lab Earley and Woodley
Veterans
Context

Yang raises concerns over reports that Israeli forces have destroyed more than 100 allied graves in the Gaza war cemetery, including those of British and allied personnel from WWI and WWII.

Question

Satellite imagery shows destruction of more than 100 allied graves at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site. Have you raised concerns with your Israeli counterpart? What steps will be taken to prevent future destruction?

Answer from Alistair Carns

Dismayed by damage caused by both Israeli operations and Hamas fighters. Concerns raised with international partners, continuing support for assessment and repair efforts when safe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete steps or timeline for preventing future destruction of Commonwealth war graves.

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