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<p>The Government operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the
world. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against
the Consolidated EU & National Arms Export Licensing Criteria (the 'Consolidated
Criteria'), taking account of all relevant factors at the time of the application.</p><p>The
Consolidated Criteria were updated in March 2014 following the signing of the Arms
Trade Treaty. Criterion 1(b) says that the Government will not grant a licence if
to do so would be inconsistent with "the UK's obligations under the United Nations
Arms Trade Treaty". Criterion 2(a) states that the Government will "not
grant a licence if there is a clear risk that the items might be used for internal
repression" and Criterion 2(c) states that the Government will "not grant
a licence if there is a clear risk that the items might be used in the commission
of a serious violation of international humanitarian law".</p><p>A licence will
not be issued for any items, including those destined for an end user in Saudi Arabia,
if to do so would be inconsistent with these Criteria. We welcome the Divisional Court's
judgment of 10 July recognising the rigorous and robust processes we have in relation
to decisions about exports to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the conflict in Yemen.</p>
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