§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What detailed assessments they have made of the most recent human rights record and the political viability of the present governing regime in Saudi Arabia, and whether such assessments will influence decisions on whether to proceed with arms exports to that country. [HL297]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office follows developments in Saudi Arabia closely. We have deep concerns about human rights including in relation to aspects of the judicial system; capital and corporal punishment; torture; discrimination against women and non-Muslims; and restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, assembly and worship. We raise these concerns with the Saudi authorities at all levels. We have a wide-ranging dialogue on issues in Saudi Arabia and encourage the process of reform on which Saudi Arabia has embarked.
Export licence applications for Saudi Arabia, as for all countries, are assessed against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Exports Criteria, taking account of the circumstances at the time and other announced government policies. In assessing export licence applications, the Government take account of all available and relevant information.