Zarah Sultana’s Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill was listed for a Second Reading in Parliament on Friday 14th March. Call on your MP to support the Bill!
The Bill makes provision for an inquiry to determine whether UK arms exported around the world have been used in violation of international law and to immediately suspend arms exports to states where it cannot be demonstrated that arms sold will not be used in violation of international law.
The UK’s arms export system is rotten to its core. Last month former UK diplomat and policy adviser to the Foreign Office Mark Smith published testimony stating that he saw illegality and complicity with war crimes when he was lead adviser on arms sales policy. According to Smith, Ministers and senior officials protected arms deals for weapons used in horrific crimes in Gaza and Yemen.
While the situation could not be more dire and urgent, but despite this the Bill was not even given time to be debated. This government is trying to evade accountability and scrutiny for the devastating impact of UK arms exports. Urge your MP to take action!