Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 14
14
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 51
We thank the Secretary of State for International Trade for writing to us setting out...
Conclusion
We thank the Secretary of State for International Trade for writing to us setting out the background to the new Criteria. However, we would have appreciated prior notification and consultation on the changes. Prior scrutiny of, and consultation on, these changes with Parliament and stakeholders more widely, would have helped secure greater confidence in the new criteria and address concerns regarding their impact prior to implementation.
Government Response Summary
The government noted the committee's conclusion and explained that discussions about the changes to the Criteria only began late in 2021, leading to the decision to amend them without prior consultation.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government notes the Committees’ conclusions. Discussions about potential changes to the Criteria, beyond those that were necessary as a result of the UK leaving the European Union (EU), only began in late 2021. As a result of these discussions, it was decided to amend the Criteria to more closely align them to the UK’s international legal obligations, including the Arms Trade Treaty, and to better reflect the Government’s strategic export objectives.