Shooting (Hansard, 26 February 2001)

§ Mr. Wilson

In line with our commitment to the success of the UN Conference, we are working in partnership with Governments, NGOs and representatives of civil society, and also with business. We already have regular contacts with the Defence Manufacturers' Association. We have also had contact with the British Shooting Sports Council, which has highlighted issues as marking and tracing of weapons, the potentially important role of Interpol and end-user certification. We plan to continue our dialogue with industry in the run-up to the UN Conference and beyond.

HMG are actively engaged in preparations for the July 2001 UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. We attach great importance to a successful outcome. The Conference will be a milestone in international attempts to combat the proliferation of small arms. It is an ideal opportunity for nations and regional groups to unite, under the UN, in giving political impetus to their efforts. Our objective is to agree global political commitment and the adoption of norms, measures and timely follow-up action aimed at reducing the levels of illicit trade in—and establishing 465W accumulations of—small arms. My tight hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary plans to attend and address the Conference.

The UK hosted a policy brainstorming seminar for around 30 countries at Lancaster House, London, on 13–14 February. The seminar considered possible UN Conference outcomes and the political and financial commitments these will require. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave an opening address. He highlighted the need to better regulate the legal small arms trade, to work to combat the illicit trade and to reduce the volume of small arms in illegal circulation throughout the world.