MPs Have 'Widespread Lack Of Knowledge' On Military Matters, Report Says

There are "serious concerns" over a "widespread lack of knowledge and education" among MPs on military matters, and they should have access to "sensitive" information to help them make better decisions, a report says.

Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC), said MPs must have better access to information so they can make "informed decisions" when deciding whether to approve or reject the use of military force.

A report from the PACAC underlines the importance of the Government seeking Parliament's approval before undertaking military action.

Since the 2003 Iraq War, it has been conventional for the Government to seek Parliament's prior approval for military action.

The PACAC report says Parliament should have more power to scrutinise Government policy and calls for more information to be shared with MPs.

It also raises concerns over a "lack of education and knowledge" amongst MPs when it comes to defence and foreign affairs.

There are also concerns about the "lousy" quality of debate on military issues, with fears political leaders have not been trained properly in military matters.

"One of the most striking and concerning issues raised in our inquiry was the view expressed by the former leaders of the armed forces that politicians, both in Government and in Parliament, were uninformed, under-educated and under-prepared to debate the issues surrounding international conflict," reads the report.

There is still a need for discreet decision-making, according to the paper, and it acknowledges concerns expressed by military personnel about the impact of protracted deliberations on military preparations.

A Government spokeswoman said: "PACAC themselves has specified that it is absolutely critical for the Government to make rapid, discreet decisions when our national security is judged to be under threat - it is for this very reason that we believe our current constitutional balance is correct."