John Baron MP: Syrian ‘Embed’ programme shows Government insensitivity to Parliament

MP says the trust of Parliament is paramount

Today the Secretary of State made a Statement in the House explaining how it had come about that British RAF personnel have been involved in military strikes against Daesh in Syria, despite Parliament making clear its view on multiple occasions that there should be no British involvement in such military action.

The RAF personnel were ‘embedded’ inside the US Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and possibly other friendly air forces, as part of longstanding exchange programmes. When foreign personnel are on such exchanges, they are under the full command of their host country. This information was released by the MOD following an FOI request by Reprieve.

Commenting, John said,

“Allowing British pilots to participate in airstrikes in Syria shows an insensitivity to the express wishes of Parliament. The Government would be well advised to carry Parliament with it when developing its Daesh strategy. This ‘Embed’ programme should now end until Parliament has expressed its view.”