Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

(asked on 24th April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what effect the order by the Court of Appeal in June 2019 not to issue new licences for the export of equipment to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen has had on the Government's obligations to Saudi Arabia under existing Government-to-Government agreements for the supply of military equipment; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Jeremy Quin Portrait
Jeremy Quin
This question was answered on 4th May 2020

The Government’s obligations to supply military equipment and support to Saudi Arabia under the existing Government-to-Government arrangements are fulfilled under contract by the designated prime contractor, BAE Systems. Under these contracts, it is the responsibility of the company to submit an export licence application for all exports of arms and controlled military goods, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Government continues to act fully in line with the decision of the Court of Appeal.

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