David Cameron faces legal challenge over drone strike on Britons in Syria

David Cameron is facing a legal challenge over his decision to target Islamic State militants in Syria without Parliamentary approval.

Earlier this month, the prime minister was heavily criticised for authorising an RAF drone strike that killed Britons Reyaad Khan and Ruhul Amin near the Syrian city of Raqqa as as an "act of self defence".

It was believed to be the first targeted UK drone attack on a British citizen,

He insisted it was an "act of self defence", saying Khan, originally from Cardiff, was plotting "specific and barbaric" terrorist attacks in the UK.

Caroline Lucas, the Green Party's only MP, and Baroness Jones have joined forces with human rights charity Reprieve to take the first step towards a judicial review.

David Cameron in Brussels yesterday. Credit: PA Wire
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion. Credit: PA Wire
Baroness Jones. Credit: PA Wire

Caroline Lucas, the Green Party's only MP, and Baroness Jones have joined forces with human rights charity Reprieve to take the first step towards a judicial review.

In a letter to the Defence Secretary and Attorney General, lawyers for the politicians claimed the Government had failed to formulate a "targeted killing policy" or failed to publish it.

Either would make the strike illegal under domestic and international law, they argue.

The letter says the Government has variously stated the drone strike was justified due to "potential", "direct", "likely" or "imminent" threats to the UK.