← Back to House of Commons Debates
Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
28 January 2016
Lead MP
Hilary Benn
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsScience & TechnologyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
Hilary Benn raised concerns about arms sales to saudi arabia in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked the Secretary of State to make a statement on arms sales to Saudi Arabia in the context of reported potential breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen. Highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with over 7,000 people killed and millions displaced or lacking food. Raised concerns about UK armaments used by Saudi Arabia in Yemen and questioned how many incidents had been examined and why no IHL breaches were found. Called for a proper investigation into whether there is a clear risk that British items might be used in serious violations of international law, proposing to suspend arms sales until such an inquiry concludes.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
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.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Crispin Blunt
011:07:00
Asked about the Saudis' determination to operate within the rule of law in their military operations.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
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.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
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.
Stephen Phillips
011:07:00
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.
Gerald Howarth
011:07:00
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.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
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.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Asks whether unrest in north Yemen is spilling over into Saudi territory.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Tom Brake
011:07:00
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.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Chris Green
011:07:00
Agreed that Yemen's tribal structures complicate the conflict beyond just President Hadi versus Houthis.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Described the complexity of Yemen's tribal structure and its impact on loyalty during conflicts.
George Kerevan
011:07:00
Asked if evidence of UK-made cluster weapons used in Yemen would prompt a ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Refused to comment hypothetically but committed to discussing the report's findings with Saudi Arabia for further action.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked about the extent of humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia and questioned if that was the action of an irresponsible country.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Acknowledged extensive military and stabilisation efforts by the coalition, including Jordan and the UAE, in addition to Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Critiqued the minister’s response as delaying action on arms sales suspension based on evidence of IHL breaches.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Confirmed that despite not having received the full report, it was serious enough to warrant detailed scrutiny and discussions with Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Foster
011:07:00
Asked about the strength of Yemeni armed forces and their ability to secure trade routes in the region.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Margaret Ferrier
011:07:00
Questioned the government’s lobbying of Saudi Arabia regarding human rights successes and criticised it as a PR exercise for arms trade maintenance.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Clarified that all meetings with Saudi officials included discussions on human rights issues across various matters debated in the House.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concerns about persecution of Christians and abuse of human rights, urging conditional arms sales based on improved human rights.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Acknowledged the issues raised regarding Christian rights in Saudi Arabia and offered to discuss it further offline for more detailed discussion.
Philippa Whitford
011:07:00
Asked about an investigation into a Médecins sans Frontières hospital attack in Yemen, using UK-supplied weapons.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Confirmed that the investigation was already underway regarding the specific incident mentioned by the hon. Lady.
Kirsten Oswald
011:07:00
Questioned what it would take for the government to acknowledge their responsibility and cease arms sales based on documented evidence of breaches.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
Denied involvement of UK forces in Saudi targeting cells, reiterating that robust processes must be followed when incidents are reported.
Stewart McDonald
011:07:00
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.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Alan Brown
011:07:00
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.
Tobias Ellwood
011:07:00
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.
Government Response
Defended UK’s robust arms export control regime. Stated that all allegations of IHL violations are taken seriously and regularly raised with Saudi Arabia. Emphasised that military action should be in accordance with international humanitarian law. Acknowledged the need for thorough investigation of incidents but stressed evidence-based assessments, highlighting satellite technology limitations. Proposed discussing allegations with Saudi Arabia at upcoming meetings. Defends the UK's approach to dealing with arms exports and involvement in Yemen, emphasising the importance of evidence-based decision making. Highlights the complexity involving militant groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh, the need for humanitarian aid to reach Yemen despite logistical challenges, and the historical and strategic significance of the UK-Saudi alliance.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.