To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) correspondence and (b) discussions his Department has had with (i) European partners and (ii) others to seek the earliest possible compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists reporting on armed conflict; and if he will make a statement (140892)

Her Majesty's Government strongly support UNSCR 1738. We acknowledge the importance of ensuring that journalists, media professionals and associated personnel are provided with the protection they need.

The MOD already affords journalists the same protection rights as civilians in conflict areas, providing they do not take action adversely affecting their status, in accordance with article 79 of additional protocol 1 of the Geneva conventions. To assist the process of ensuring that international law is respected and enforced, and to raise awareness of violence directed against journalists in conflict zones, the UK tabled UNSCR 1738 jointly with our EU partners in December 2006. This called on parties involved in conflict to stop deliberate attacks against journalists and respect them as civilians under international law.

While we have had no recent correspondence with our EU partners about resolution 1738, we continue to work with them and others to support efforts to promote and strengthen respect for international law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) correspondence and (b) discussions his officials have had with (i) NATO partners and (ii) others (A) on respect for the professional independence and rights of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel during armed conflict and (B) to obtain universal compliance with obligations under international law to end impunity and prosecute those responsible for serious violations of international law against such persons; and if he will make a statement. (140895)

Her Majesty’s Government are committed to promoting freedom of expression worldwide and to defending and protecting the professional independence and right of journalists and media professionals to work without fear of reprisal during armed conflict. Although we have had no recent correspondence on these matters with NATO partners or others, we work with them and others to support efforts to promote and strengthen international law. An essential part of this is our strong support for the international criminal tribunals which are a key element of international efforts to combat the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been introduced by his Department to ensure the UK's compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738, on the protection of journalists in armed conflict; and if he will make a statement. (140896)

UK armed forces protect journalists in the same way they protect civilians in theatre, provided they do not take action adversely affecting their status under international law. This is enshrined in our instructions on the practical arrangements for enabling correspondents to report from operational theatres and in the training provided to our personnel.