The Chair of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee today welcomed the recall of the House of Commons to consider on Friday a motion on the UK’s possible involvement in air strikes in Iraq against Islamic State, but stated that there was still a need to clarify and formalise the process through which Parliament is consulted on the use of armed force.

Graham Allen MP said:

“The decision to take military action is the most momentous a Government can make, and I welcome the fact that the House of Commons has been recalled to consider the possible use of armed force in Iraq against Islamic State. It is inconceivable that such action be taken without the consent of Parliament.

However, there is still no clear process in place for how Parliament is consulted on the use of armed force. The Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has repeatedly called for the process whereby Parliament is consulted on the use of armed force to be formalised, but so far the Government has failed to make progress on this.

Whatever decision the House takes on the possibility of UK involvement in air strikes against Islamic State, it is vital that the process for consulting Parliament on such matters is clarified and formalised.”