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.