I fully appreciate why there is much concern about the global arms trade, particularly in relation to states like Saudi Arabia. I can assure you the Government takes Britain's arms export responsibilities very seriously, and operates one of the most rigorous arms export control regimes in the world.
Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account the precise nature of the equipment and the identity and track record of the recipient. The Government has consistently said it does not, and will not, issue licences where it judges that the proposed export would provoke or prolong internal conflicts, or where there is a clear risk it might be used to facilitate internal repression or be used aggressively against another country. I have always fully supported this stance.
A commercial relationship does not prevent us from speaking frankly to governments about issues of concern, such as human rights. Our close political and security relationships can help enhance our scope to positively influence governments helping to promote democratic reform and raise human rights standards in places such as Saudi Arabia, China and other Gulf states.
More generally on the arms trade, I am pleased the Government secured the establishment of the first ever International Arms Trade Treaty to control exports of conventional arms. It will require governments to block transfers of weapons that pose unacceptable risks and to take strong steps to prevent weapons being diverted into illegal markets. I am sure you will join me in welcoming this first legally-binding, truly global commitment.
On the issue of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, I support the Government's condemnation of the use of torture, or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign and Commonwealth Office country of concern because of the human rights situation in the country, particularly on the death penalty, access to justice, women's rights, restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion or belief.
You may be interested to know that representatives regularly make the Government's views known, including through the UN Universal Periodic Review process and the FCO's annual Human Rights and Democracy Report.
I am aware that the Government also raises its human rights concerns with the Saudi Arabian authorities at the highest level, however we have to recognise that the human rights position in Saudi Arabia reflects widely held conservative social values.