The Missing Link in Labour's Foreign Policy: The case for tighter controls over UK arms exports

This report, co-published with Saferworld, restates the case for tight controls over arms exports. It examines Labour's record since 1997. It challenges the view that arms exports are vital for the UK economy. It also shows how irresponsible arms transfers can rebound negatively on those who export them, through a 'boomerang effect'. The report sets out a far-reaching policy agenda to better control arms exports. "Despite significant improvements in arms export policy under Labour, there are still arms exports taking place that, in my view, cannot be justified. The report's policy recommendations should be widely welcomed, particularly those on end-use monitoring, brokering and trafficking and prior parliamentary scrutiny."
-Roger Berry MP, Chair of the Quadripartite Committee on Arms Exports.

"I welcome this rational analysis of a policy area where industrial lobbying seems to have retained the upper hand for too long."
- Air Marshal Sir Timothy Garden, Visiting Professor, Centre for Defence Studies, King's College London.

"Irresponsible arms exports are fuelling conflict, damaging development and contributing to the abuse of human rights across the world. This report makes a compelling case for tighter national and international controls over weapons transfers. It should be widely read."
-Glenys Kinnock, MEP

"This hard-hitting report is a timely reminder of the British Government's disappointing record on arms sales. Ill-considered and poorly-monitored exports inevitably undermine the credibility of the Government. The examples elaborated upon in this report yet again underline the case for prior parliamentary scrutiny of sensitive export licence applications, and arms export policy in general. The report is absolutely right to call for a presumption against exports to countries with poor human rights records or a history of evading arms controls."
-Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat's Foreign Affairs Spokesman.

"British prime ministers confuse general support for a competitive private enterprise economy with support for specific corporations wanting subsidies which were denied to miners when their jobs were at risk. Moreover, how many of our arms exports to countries in temporary alliance end up being used against British troops? This report makes a powerful case for more restrictive controls over the arms trade"
-Samuel Brittan, Financial Times Columnist