BAHA-23
Response
Not Accepted
Self-assessed
Ban Harsh Approach in Tactical Questioning
Recommendation
The harsh approach should no longer have a place in tactical questioning. The MoD should forbid tactical questioners from using what is currently known as the harsh approach and this should be made clear in the tactical questioning policy and in all relevant training materials.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Ministry of Defence did not accept this recommendation, with the Defence Secretary deciding to retain the harsh approach for tactical questioning, albeit subject to strict parameters and safeguards. This position was stated in the government's response to the inquiry report in September 2011. No further specific published evidence has been identified since 2012.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 18 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Not Accepted
Response
Not Accepted
Not Accepted
Ministry of Defence
08 Sep 2011
Not accepted. The Defence Secretary decided not to accept this recommendation. The MoD retained the ability to use the harsh approach in tactical questioning, subject to strict parameters and safeguards.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
08 Sep 2012
This recommendation was not accepted by the government. The Defence Secretary decided to retain the harsh approach for tactical questioning, subject to strict parameters and safeguards.
Source
Inquiry
Baha Mousa Inquiry
Report
The Report of the Baha Mousa Inquiry - Volume III
08 Sep 2011
Responsible Bodies
Ministry of Defence
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
14.5 yrs
Last formal update
4945 days ago