The Bishop of St Albans said arms sales to Saudi Arabia should be suspended, after a court of appeal ruled that the Government failed to assess adequately the risk of arms being used in violation of international law. He said, ‘We need reassurance that the Government has adopted appropriate safeguards to protect civilians in future. Aid is still needed in Yemen, and I hope international partners will work with the Government to deliver this.’ Campaign Against Arms Trade said the Government didn’t enforce its own rules, which state that military export licences should not be granted if there is a clear risk that arms might be used in violation of international humanitarian law. Christian Aid said that the Saudi-UAE-led coalition was being propped up by UK government military advisers, arms exports, and ongoing political and technical support. The Government plans to appeal against the court’s ruling.
Bishop condemns arms sales to Saudis
Written by David Fletcher 27 Jun 2019Additional Info
- Pray: for the Government’s officials to examine every export licence application rigorously on a case-by-case basis. (Psalm 101:2)
- More: www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/21-june/news/uk/suspend-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-says-bishop-of-st-albans