To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to institute additional scrutiny of sales of defence and security equipment to Bahrain; and if he will take additional measures to further prevent the sale to Bahrain of defence equipment which would be used against civilians.
Answered on
7 January 2015
The UK operates one of the most rigorous export control systems in the world. All export licence applications are carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account all prevailing circumstances at the time of application. Exports to Bahrain continue to be subject to close scrutiny, in particular under Criterion Two which concerns the ‘respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country for international humanitarian law’.