Government response to PMSC email action

I am writing in response to a number of emails that were sent to the Foreign Secretary from various correspondents via your website on the subject of private military and security companies (PMSCs). Given the generic nature of the emails, rather than reply to individual correspondents we felt a response directly to your organisation would be more appropriate.

As you are aware, there is currently no UK legislation dealing directly with the provision by British companies of security and military services overseas. The possible options for regulation were explored in the Green Paper on Private Military Companies published in February 2002. Since the publication of the Green Paper, the industry has expanded considerably. The Foreign Secretary requested a further review of the options for regulation of PMSCs in late 2004. The review was completed in mid 2005 and its findings are currently the subject of ministerial correspondence. Once government reaches a decision on whether or not to pursue regulation, parliament will be informed. If it is agreed that regulation is appropriate, the government will come forward with proposals which will be subject to public consultation. If legislation were required, parliamentary time would have to be secured.

There are already a number of provisions in international humanitarian and human rights law which apply to the operations of PMSCs, as well as the national law of the countries in which they are operating. We work with the British Association of Private Security Companies and PMSC representatives to encourage best practice and adherence to these standards.

Kind Regards

Jacqui Currie

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

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