I fully appreciate the concerns about the UK’s strategy in the Persian Gulf and the human rights and democracy issues at stake in that region. The UK has a proud history of respect for human rights, which extends to our international policy, and the Government takes any potential concerns very seriously.
British exportation operates with one of the most rigorous arms export controls in the world. Each application for export is considered individually, examining the nature of the equipment sold along with the recipient and their history. The Government said that it has not and will not approve licences where the arms would support internal conflicts, repress local citizens, or be used aggressively against another country. I have always fully supported this stance.
The Government established the first ever International Arms Trade Treaty to limit the exportation of conventional arms. That Treaty requires governments to prevent the sale or transfer of weapons that may pose unacceptable risks, along with stopping the movement of weapons to illegal markets. This ground-breaking global commitment is a welcome step forward in conflict prevention.
As to the Gulf Strategy Unit, the group is designed to make UK engagement within the Gulf more effective and beneficial for both parties. By improving relations with the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) and others in the region, we can better address threats to the UK. Without such international cooperation, we struggle to effectively handle terrorism, extremism, energy security, and other pressing issues. These endeavours improve international relations and protect our citizens’ interests.
A close relationship, both diplomatic and commercial, does not prevent the Government from speaking frankly about issues of concern, including human rights. In fact, improved relationships with Gulf States allow us to improve international standards of human rights and work towards democratic reform. Representatives regularly make the Government’s views known on these issues, including during the FCO’s annual Human Rights and Democracy Report and the UN Universal Periodic Review process. I appreciate and support our efforts to protect human rights around the world.
Update - November 2016
I appreciate and understand my constituents’ concerns about the global arms trade. This issue affects both our international relations and global security, and therefore is of the utmost concern. The Government takes UK's arms export responsibilities very seriously, and operates one of the most rigorous arms export control regimes in the world.
All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National arms export licensing Criteria, known as the consolidated Criteria. We draw on all available information, including reports from NGOs and our overseas network, to make the most circumspect and well-informed decisions as possible. During this process, the Government carefully considers human rights violation risks. We do not export equipment in instances where there is a clear risk that it might be used for internal repression, to provoke or prolong conflict within a country, or where it may be used aggressively against another country. The Government has been clear that, given the guidance under the consolidated arms criteria and the EU criteria, the level has not been reached where those criteria have been breached.
I am satisfied that the Government is not in breach of these international standards. Furthermore, I believe that commercial relationships do not prevent us from speaking frankly to governments about issues of concern, such as human rights. By strengthening political and security relationships abroad, we can positively influence governments helping to promote democratic reform and raise human rights standards in places like the Persian Gulf.