Accountability and the Use of the Armed Forces

Abstract

1. For over a century, the deployment of the armed forces abroad has been carried out by the government with minimal or no involvement from Parliament. Yet, the House of Commons’ increasing involvement in such decisions is one of several constitutional changes since 1997. Starting in 2003, the Commons has been given a vote on military deployments in Iraq, Libya and Syria. A constitutional convention developed by which the government seeks the Commons’ approval for military action.