Sale of Arms: War in Yemen

Defended the government's decision to resume arms sales, stating that all existing and new applications for Saudi Arabia will be assessed against revised methodology considering possible violations. He emphasised that there were isolated incidents but highlighted Saudi Arabia’s genuine intent and capacity to comply with international humanitarian law.

Questioned the government's previous statements about the impossibility of assessing possible violations, sought clarification on how many incidents were considered 'isolated', challenged claims that there was no pattern in targeting civilian infrastructure, criticised the definition of indiscriminate bombing as being at different times and circumstances, and requested the publication of a full assessment underpinning the decision.

Asked for reassurance that DFID's expertise will continue to inform decisions on arms export licensing following the department’s restructuring. Emphasised the importance of maintaining international development insight within these processes.

Critiqued the government for prioritising profit over peace, questioned the legitimacy of resuming arms sales given mounting evidence of potential war crimes and widespread strikes on civilian targets in Yemen. He asked how many isolated incidents there were and why the UK is going against international consensus.

Pressed for transparency, specifically requesting that the Secretary of State publish her detailed assessment regarding alleged violations in Yemen so that the public can judge the legitimacy of dismissing those violations as isolated incidents.

The Government were guilty of granting unlawful arms export licences last September, and the announcement regarding sanctions seems incredibly cynical given the timing.

Asked about the delay in reaching a decision on arms export licences to Saudi Arabia.

Expressed astonishment at the Minister's statement that selling arms to Saudi Arabia is separate from global human rights sanctions and questioned how the Government can continue exporting weapons with the risk of civilian casualties in Yemen.

Stressed the importance of maintaining arms sales to Saudi Arabia for regional security, trade benefits, and job creation in the UK.

Questioned if the Saudi Government would adhere to international law and suggested that holding them to the same standards as China could improve the perception of our new policy towards China.

Asked for reassurance that the arms export regime is adaptable and responsive to global changes.

Inquired about a reported secret call between Defence Secretary and Saudi Ministers, questioning why it was kept secret.

Asked if the International Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary have raised international humanitarian law compliance with Saudi Arabia and coalition partners.

Highlighted the ethical dilemma of issuing £5.3 billion in export licences to Saudi Arabia, given the ongoing conflict in Yemen, and questioned why evidence is not published.

Asked about the importance of Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic and trading partner for the UK.

Raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, questioning if arms sold by the UK will be used in similar attacks on civilians.

Supported the Minister's stance on exporting arms but asked for more details on how the review process takes place day-to-day or month-to-month.

Said he is not persuaded that there is no risk of these armaments being used against civilians, and questioned if Oxfam's installations have been investigated by the joint incidents assessments team.

The Minister emphasises the UK's adherence to consolidated criteria for assessing arms sales and reassures that there is no pattern of violations by coalition forces in Yemen. He highlights the importance of continuing export assessments based on these criteria.

The Member asks for an assurance from the Minister that the Department will continue to investigate every possible violation of international humanitarian law in Yemen by coalition forces.

Creasy questions the resumption of arms sales given UN figures on displacement and asks for clarification on what constitutes 'genuine intent' behind Saudi's decision regarding human rights.

Griffith requests assurance that the Minister will continue to raise human rights with Saudi Arabia, noting young people in his constituency have raised concerns about Yemen.

Sultana challenges the claim of 'isolated incidents' by presenting evidence from MOD databases and demands clarity on whether the Government will reconsider arms sales based on these findings.

Benton supports resuming export licences, citing job benefits in his area, and asks for assurance that UK-Saudi relations will be strengthened regarding security and trade opportunities.

Thomson seeks an assurance from the Minister on full cooperation with Select Committees investigating British arms sales to Saudi-led coalition forces, given UN verified casualties in Yemen.

Howell asks how actions against Saudi Arabia will achieve reciprocity and what measures the UK is taking regarding arms sales to Houthi rebels backed by Iran.

Dhesi criticises inconsistency in Government's approach, highlighting evidence of violations of international humanitarian law despite recent accountability for Jamal Khashoggi's murder.

Murrison discusses potential export job losses to France if UK adheres strictly to consolidated criteria and expresses concern about inconsistent enforcement of these rules.

Cryer calls for the publication of reasons behind resumption of issuing licences, suggesting sensitive information could be redacted or removed for security purposes.

O'Hara criticises the Government's foreign policy as being pragmatic rather than ethical, citing recent contradictory actions regarding arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Blackman asks about efforts by the Minister's Department to encourage a political settlement in Yemen and mitigate the humanitarian crisis caused by proxy wars involving Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Thanked the hon. Friend for his expertise and stated that the UK is committed to a diplomatic solution in the region through a whole-of-Government effort, including the Department for International Trade's involvement if necessary.

Critiqued the Government's decision as reducing their previous bold statements on human rights and Magnitsky sanctions to mere finger-wagging, demanding evidence to restore credibility.

Asked for clarity on the total value of exports to Saudi Arabia, including arms traded through open licences, and questioned how much profit the UK has made from the conflict since it began.

Thanked the Minister for explaining the strict criteria applied in all export licence cases and asked about the backlog of export licences.

Accused the Government's policy as hypocritical, pointing out a case where an individual sanctioned for involvement in human rights violations was previously justified by UK military support.

Welcomed the Secretary of State’s statement and asked for elaboration on how the revised methodology differs from its predecessor.

Asked about guarantees that arms sold to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen will not be used against other allies elsewhere in the Middle East.

Discussed his personal experience with Yemen and the measures taken by air controllers and pilots to avoid civilian casualties, suggesting these factors are considered in assessments.

Quoted Amnesty International on the ongoing conflict in Yemen and questioned how continued UK arms sales can help prevent further loss of innocent lives.

Asked about the competition between UK trade policy and aid policy, given that taxpayers provide humanitarian aid to Yemen while also supplying more arms to Saudi Arabia.