The Ministry of Defence needs to be more open about its use of unmanned aerial drones, MPs said yesterday.

But the Commons defence committee also concluded that Britain's use of drones had complied fully with international law - a claim human rights activists refute.

In a report released yesterday, the committee recommended greater transparency around "safeguards and limitations the UK government has in place for the sharing of intelligence" with other states for targeted killings.

It also backed calls by a United Nations special rapporteur for a "detailed public explanation" in any case where there is evidence civilians have been killed in a drone strike.

Human rights charity Reprieve legal director Kat Craig said: "British ministers, like their US counterparts, have refused to come clean with the public over the role our country plays.

"It is high time the secret drone programme - and Britain's part in it - was brought out of the shadows."

The committee made clear that after "apparently inconsistent" statements by ministers, the MoD needed to clarify that Britain's use of armed drones had been restricted to Afghanistan and did not extend into Pakistan or other countries.

"If public confidence is to be built around the use of remotely piloted air systems it is important that it is clear that UK aircraft have only been utilised within Afghanistan and always in accordance with UK rules of engagement," the report said.

Ms Craig lauded the committee's call for greater transparency, but challenged its conclusion as to the legality of Britain's drone programme.

She said: "The defence committee is right to raise concerns over the lack of transparency around UK involvement in the US's secret drone programme.

"A range of evidence indicates that the UK supports the secret strikes carried out by the CIA and others, in violation of international and domestic law, through the sharing of intelligence and the provision of facilities at US bases on British soil."

The MoD claimed that Britain's armed Reaper drones had only ever been used operationally in Afghanistan and had only been flown by British pilots.