Stop UK arms getting into the wrong hands

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Stop UK arms getting into the wrong hands

Tell UK Minister Malcolm Wicks to stop UK arms getting into the wrong hands.

Despite recent legislation, UK arms are still falling into the wrong hands. They fuel conflict, poverty and human rights abuse. There is now a real opportunity to end this. The UK government is currently reviewing the Export Control Act (ECA) - the Act that sets out the UK's laws on exporting arms.

Tell Malcolm Wicks MP, the UK Minister responsible to take action to stop UK arms getting into the wrong hands

regulate UK companies (and their subsidiaries) that produce weapons overseas
control the UK arms brokers, wherever they are located (a commitment in the government's 2001 Manifesto)
ensure that adequate resources are available to enforce the law; and make it easier to secure successful prosecutions
make sure UK arms exports don't undermine development

I urge you to use the current review of the Export Control Act to tighten UK arms export controls to prevent UK weapons, or weapons sourced by UK citizens and companies reaching conflict zones and falling into the hands of unscrupulous users.

I am aware of that the UK government is committed to controlling the arms trade, and has shown excellent leadership on the Arms Trade Treaty; yet weaknesses in our national arms export control system risk undermining such good work.

The government should:

- regulate UK companies (and their subsidiaries) that produce weapons overseas

- control the UK arms brokers, wherever they are located (a commitment in the government's 2001 Manifesto)

- ensure that adequate resources are available to enforce the law; and make it easier to secure successful prosecutions

- make sure UK arms exports don't undermine development.

The lives and security of many vulnerable people depend on this. Please seize this opportunity to make the necessary changes, to ensure that UK law is as effective as possible in controlling the globalised arms trade.

Yours sincerely,

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