§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will prohibit British military trade with undemocratic regimes; and if he will make a statement. [18218]
§ Mr. David DavisIt is our policy to support the sale of British defence equipment overseas where this is compatible with our political, strategic and security interests. We defend ourselves and should not deny others the right to do the same without good reason. We observe strict responsibility in our defence exports. We consider applications for licences to export defence equipment on a case-by-case basis in the light of established criteria including the international guidelines and obligations to which we are committed. These criteria include consideration of the recipient country's human rights record. We do not export defence equipment likely to be used for internal repression.