Yemen: Cluster Munitions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Yemen: Cluster Munitions

Patrick Grady Excerpts
Tuesday 24th May 2016

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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I would gently remind the hon. Gentleman that we are not members of this coalition. We do not have locus in Yemen to undertake direct investigations ourselves. What we are talking about are alleged violations of international humanitarian law. The correct procedure when an incident has been brought to the attention of members of the coalition is for them to undertake the investigation itself. We are able to encourage and stimulate them to undertake that investigation, because there is a long-standing relationship between our respective armed forces. That is what we are doing, and that is the right way to proceed.

Patrick Grady Portrait Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)
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If these reports are not enough, under what circumstances would the Government actually suspend sales of arms to Saudi Arabia?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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This is an allegation. There are a number of allegations of potential violations of international humanitarian law. If investigations lead to clear evidence, that evidence will have to be taken into account whenever an arms export licence is presented and where that information is relevant.