Drones fly into trouble

SIR – It is hoped that the £2 billion “optionally manned” Tempest jet will enable operation “against the highest threat whilst minimising the chances of losing aircrew” (report, July 16).

However, as our inquiry report has revealed, when Britain shares its bases, intelligence and personnel with its drone partners, it is currently at risk of acting unlawfully.

“Taking back control” means nothing if Parliament is frozen out of the big questions of warfare. As even the architects of America’s drone programme raise the alarm over Donald Trump’s actions, clarity on Britain’s role in unmanned aerial warfare is urgently needed.

With no appropriate legislative scrutiny (or even debate) about its drone partnerships, Britain is in danger of complicity, were one of its allies to act unlawfully.

Without crystal clear policy and legal basis, British armed drones are flying into trouble – risking harm to innocent civilians, leaving our soldiers open to possible criminal prosecution, and keeping Parliament in the dark. This is far from being an ideal model for Britain’s warfare and will only lead to heightened uncertainty.

As warfare evolves, here is a chance to set an example to the world. We call on the Government to seize it. Professor Michael Clarke Adam Holloway MP (Con) Baroness Stern (Crossbench) and five others; see telegraph.co.uk All-party Parliamentary Group on Drones

London SW1