BAHA-24 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Harsh Approach Parameters

Recommendation

To the extent that the MoD considers that the harsh approach can still lawfully be used in interrogation: (1) there is a need for very clear guidance to be given within the interrogation policy; (2) the approach should be given a label which is less apt to be misinterpreted; (3) the approach should not include an analogy with a military drill sergeant; (4) specific Ministerial approval should be sought before the harsh approach is approved for use in any operational theatre.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Ministry of Defence accepted this recommendation, stating that guidance on the harsh approach was clarified, renamed, and requires Ministerial approval for operational use. This action was noted 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
Accepted
Accepted Ministry of Defence
08 Sep 2011

The Secretary of State for Defence accepted this recommendation in principle. Statement to Parliament, 8 September 2011: 'I am accepting in principle all of [Sir William's] recommendations with one reservation.'

Read Full Response
Source
Report The Report of the Baha Mousa Inquiry - Volume III 08 Sep 2011
Responsible Bodies
Ministry of Defence Primary
Recommendation age 14.5 yrs
Last formal update 4945 days ago