BAHA-24
Response
Accepted
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 Defence Secretary stated on 8 September 2011 that the government accepted this recommendation and stated that guidance on the harsh approach had been clarified, the approach renamed, and that Ministerial approval was required for operational use (Government Response to the Baha Mousa Inquiry, Ministry of Defence, September 2011).
- The specific content of interrogation policy is contained within classified military documents not publicly available for independent verification.
- The specific content of interrogation policy is contained within classified military documents not publicly available for independent verification.
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by Claude (Anthropic) on 10 Apr 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Ministry of Defence
08 Sep 2011
Accepted. Guidance on the harsh approach has been clarified, renamed, and requires Ministerial approval for operational use.
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
14.7 yrs
Last formal update
5013 days ago