Liberal Democrats Call For New Geneva Convention To Cover Modern Warfare

A Reaper MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) prepares for take-off in Afghanistan (Image: MoD)

A new Geneva Convention is needed to cover modern warfare, according to Liberal Democrat deputy leader Jo Swinson.

Ms Swinson has called for an international treaty to put limits on the use of technology in war, including cyber, Artificial Intelligence and drones.

Speaking at the Lib Dem conference, she said that new legislation is needed to ensure a meaningful parliamentary vote is held before Britain gets involved in any wars.

Ms Swinson also called for an immediate suspension of new arms contracts to Saudi Arabia.

The MP is branded US President Donald Trump a bully, saying:

"All around the world, small-minded, populist leaders are sprouting up. Feeding off fear and lies. Undermining the international order.

"Recent cyber-attacks on businesses and civil infrastructure traced to Russia show that cyber-defence must be considered the new civil defence.

"That is why Liberal Democrats are determined to take forward radical new ideas, including a new 'Geneva Convention' for modern warfare.

"It is paramount that the UK work with our partners to develop international rules that limit new technology such as Artificial Intelligence, drones and cyber.

"That is the leadership we need from our country. But instead, we have a Conservative Government failing to stand up to bullies, be they in the Oval Office or the Kremlin. Liberal Democrats demand better."