I have recently
received a number of correspondence from constituents concerned about Saudi
Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict. They asked if I would call on the
government to end arms sales to Saudi Arabia and if I would sign an EDM on this
issue.
I
have a policy to not sign EDMs as apart from costing taxpayers unnecessary
amounts of money they rarely achieve anything.
However,
the points my constituents raised are of concern to me.
Any
incidents of civilian deaths, particularly children, caught up in a conflict
are always dreadful.
The
Government has recently assured parliamentarians that it keeps export licensing
for Saudi Arabia under constant review, including in light of military action
by the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen.
The
key test for the Government’s continued military exports to Saudi Arabia in
relation to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is whether there is a clear
risk that those items might be used in the commission of a serious violation of
IHL.
As
set out in the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, the
Government will not issue an export licence where we assess that the items might
be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian
law.
A
licence would not be granted if to do so was inconsistent with the criteria.
I
know that the Government is keeping the situation under careful and continual
review, and I will to seek to raise this issue with ministers when the
opportunity arises.
