LONDON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the British government's top law office, on Wednesday set out for the first time the legal basis for British military strikes against terror targets overseas.
Wright, in a keynote speech on Wednesday night, outlined legal considerations that would be discussed before action is taken in self-defence against an imminent attack.
Ahead of the speech in central London, the office of the Attorney General announced Wright will stress that it is vital for Britain to retain the right to deploy lethal force in self-defence against terrorists who would do harm.
In a landmark speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Wright will tell the audience that the challenges Britain faces in protecting the country's national security are increasing.
A spokesman at the Attorney General's office said: "The world is changing fast and we face new and different threats, as we have seen from the wave of recent attacks across the world.
"Attacks can be directed quickly that previously would have taken months of planning. And it is essential that international law can adapt to respond to modern threats."
In his speech, Wright said: "For the first time we are setting out how we determine whether an attack is imminent. We are a long way from being able to see troops massing on the horizon. Technology has made it easier for terrorists to carry out attacks. The law has to keep up with the changing times."
"The government has a primary duty to protect the lives of its citizens. But, it can only use lethal force where there is a clear legal basis for doing so."
The spokesman added: "Lethal action will always be a last resort, when there is no other option to defend the country from attack and no other means to detain, disrupt or otherwise prevent those plotting acts of terror, for example law enforcement measures."
"A state may use force in self-defense not only in response to armed attacks that have occurred, but also in certain circumstances, to prevent attacks before they occur."
