Sir Keir Starmer has committed that Members of Parliament (MPs) would vote on any deployment of British soldiers to Ukraine for policing a potential peace agreement. He stated this would align with recent practices concerning parliamentary approval for military actions.
Context of Commitment
The UK and France have affirmed their intention to deploy troops to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine, should a peace deal be established. Sir Keir did not specify the number of British troops involved, indicating it would be determined "in accordance with our military plans."
Details of Potential Deployment and Parliamentary Vote
During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir informed MPs that British personnel would conduct "deterrence operations" and safeguard new military "hubs" planned by allies in Ukraine, contingent on a peace agreement. The prime minister's press secretary later clarified that Parliament would have input prior to any "long-term deployment" of UK forces. However, the press secretary did not comment on whether a Commons vote would legally bind the government's decisions.
Historical Precedent for Military Action Votes
Parliament does not legally mandate approval for military action; such decisions are formally authorized by the prime minister on behalf of the monarch. Nevertheless, a convention has evolved over recent decades allowing MPs to debate deployments, though this has been inconsistently applied:
- 2013: MPs voted against potential UK military action in Syria aimed at deterring chemical weapon use. This marked the first instance since the late 18th Century where a British leader lost a parliamentary vote on military action.
- 2014: MPs were consulted on action against the Islamic State group (IS) in Iraq.
- 2015: MPs were consulted on action against IS in Syria.
- 2018: Theresa May authorized action in Syria without parliamentary consultation.
- Recent Actions: Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir authorized RAF air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen without prior parliamentary votes.