Arms Exports

John Bercow
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about UK arms exports being used (a) by (i) criminal gangs, (ii) pariah states, (iii) terrorists, (iv) paramilitaries and (v) rebel forces and (b) for the purposes of human rights abuses.

Malcolm Wicks
I have received a large number of representations concerning UK arms exports being used by undesirable end-users for the purpose of human rights abuses.

I can assure the hon. Member that all export licence applications are considered on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria, taking into account the circumstances prevailing at the time and other relevant announced Government polices, which includes a thorough consideration of the risk of diversion to undesirable end-users. Should it be judged that an export would contravene any of the criteria, the application would be refused.