Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 33
33
Accepted
Paragraph: 104
We are concerned that previous exports to Saudi Arabia may demonstrate an inconsistency in the...
Recommendation
We are concerned that previous exports to Saudi Arabia may demonstrate an inconsistency in the application of the previous Consolidated Criteria. In response to our report the Government should set out its reasons for deeming that such exports are not in breach of the Criteria. The Government should also set out its assessment of the impact of the new Strategic Export Licensing Criteria on exports to Saudi Arabia.
Government Response Summary
The government states that all export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated Criteria, and that the new Strategic Export Licensing Criteria provide a robust framework for assessing export licence applications to Saudi Arabia.
Paragraph Reference:
104
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government notes the Committees’ concerns regarding inconsistency in the application of the previous Consolidated Criteria in respect of previous exports to Saudi Arabia. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated Criteria, taking into account all relevant factors at the time of application. The Government is confident that all export licence decisions have been made in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria and the UK’s legal obligations. The Government considers that the new Strategic Export Licensing Criteria provide a robust framework for assessing export licence applications to Saudi Arabia. The Government will continue to monitor the situation in Saudi Arabia closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure that its export control decisions are fully compliant with its legal obligations.