Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia

Questioned the Minister about specific actions taken since receiving the UN panel report and raised concerns over UK arms being used in Yemen. Emphasised that the Government should adhere to their own export licensing criteria, urging them to investigate if there is a clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law by British items. Called for suspension of arms sales until an investigation concludes.

Defended the UK’s position, stating that all export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict criteria. Emphasised that Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role in reversing Houthi advances and enabling political progress. Acknowledged the need for thorough investigation of any violations but defended the process as robust. Called for evidence-based assessments of incidents, noting satellite technology limitations. Proposed discussing allegations with Saudi Arabia at upcoming meetings.

Asked about the Saudis' determination to operate within the rule of law in their military operations.

Raises serious concerns about the UK’s arms exports to Saudi Arabia and calls for an immediate ban on these sales. Suggests that aid should be prioritised over profits from arms sales.

Defends the UK Government's stance, stating they do not have a knee-jerk reaction to evidence and emphasises the need for working with Saudi Arabia based on facts rather than media reports. He highlights the complexity of the situation involving militant groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh.

Asks about the presence and strength of militant organisations such as al-Qaeda and Daesh in Yemen.

Questions why the Committees on Arms Export Controls have not met for eight months, suggesting their role is crucial in scrutinising government decisions regarding arms exports.

Highlights the urgency of opening Red sea ports to facilitate humanitarian aid and questions when this will happen.

Questions if UK involvement in Yemen's conflict is beneficial, especially considering its complex nature involving conflicts with Saudi Arabia’s policies elsewhere.

Defends the importance of the UK-Saudi alliance for intelligence and employment reasons, suggesting that the UK can help Saudi Arabia improve its targeting accuracy to avoid future mistakes.

Calls for the Committees on Arms Export Controls to take up investigations as suggested by Ann Clwyd. Emphasises the need for robust regulation of defence exports and the risk of other countries filling in if such arms sales are boycotted.

Asks about the UK’s contribution to alleviating suffering in Yemen, which Tobias Ellwood responds by highlighting £100 million aid provided and efforts to facilitate political processes through UN support.

Questions the Minister's readiness to focus on international public relations rather than ensuring full observation of humanitarian law.

Asks whether unrest in north Yemen is spilling over into Saudi territory.

Responded to concerns about the Yemen conflict being seen as a 'forgotten war' and highlighted missile attacks from Houthi into Saudi Arabia, emphasising ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding compliance with international humanitarian law.

Inquired about the government's attitude towards Saudi Arabia in light of their use of cluster munitions and execution of individuals, urging the minister to investigate IHL breaches more thoroughly.

Defended UK's encouragement for Saudi Arabia to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions and stated ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia about allegations of IHL breaches, emphasising the importance of further investigations.

Agreed that Yemen's tribal structures complicate the conflict beyond just President Hadi versus Houthis.

Described the complexity of Yemen's tribal structure and its impact on loyalty during conflicts.

Asked if evidence of UK-made cluster weapons used in Yemen would prompt a ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Refused to comment hypothetically but committed to discussing the report's findings with Saudi Arabia for further action.

Asked about the extent of humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia and questioned if that was the action of an irresponsible country.

Acknowledged extensive military and stabilisation efforts by the coalition, including Jordan and the UAE, in addition to Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid.

Critiqued the minister’s response as delaying action on arms sales suspension based on evidence of IHL breaches.

Confirmed that despite not having received the full report, it was serious enough to warrant detailed scrutiny and discussions with Saudi Arabia.

Asked about the strength of Yemeni armed forces and their ability to secure trade routes in the region.

Stated that Yemeni armed forces were receiving training, improving their capability to hold ground, especially around Aden. He also mentioned UN's efforts but noted challenges due to Houthi control.

Questioned the government’s lobbying of Saudi Arabia regarding human rights successes and criticised it as a PR exercise for arms trade maintenance.

Clarified that all meetings with Saudi officials included discussions on human rights issues across various matters debated in the House.

Expressed concerns about persecution of Christians and abuse of human rights, urging conditional arms sales based on improved human rights.

Acknowledged the issues raised regarding Christian rights in Saudi Arabia and offered to discuss it further offline for more detailed discussion.

Asked about an investigation into a Médecins sans Frontières hospital attack in Yemen, using UK-supplied weapons.

Confirmed that the investigation was already underway regarding the specific incident mentioned by the hon. Lady.

Questioned what it would take for the government to acknowledge their responsibility and cease arms sales based on documented evidence of breaches.

Denied involvement of UK forces in Saudi targeting cells, reiterating that robust processes must be followed when incidents are reported.

Suggested the UK's role in building modern Saudi state should provide leverage to demand better human rights practices and questioned when tangible actions would follow from platitudes.

Emphasises the need for a balanced approach to influencing change in Saudi Arabia, stressing that while he supports change, any attempt to accelerate it must consider potential destabilising consequences such as the spread of Daesh.

Asks for a transparent process regarding the establishment of the Committees on Arms Export Controls and inquires about any issues that are hindering its formation.

Reiterates his support for establishing the Committee but clarifies that it is outside his authority, highlighting the importance of the initiative and expressing hope for its swift implementation.