Thank you for contacting me about military exports to Saudi Arabia.
I appreciate your concerns about military exports to Saudi Arabia. I wish to assure you that the Government takes its export control responsibilities seriously and operates a robust export control regime.
I am assured that export licences are not granted when there is a clear risk that the equipment might be used to commit or facilitate internal repression, or where it is determined that there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The Government will exercise special caution and vigilance in cases where a competent body has established that a country has committed serious violations of human rights. The Government continues to monitor closely the situation in all countries and territories.
Each application is carefully assessed against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria and a licence will not be granted if to do so would be a breach of the criteria. A range of sources are used when making assessments including NGOs, international organisations and our diplomatic posts overseas. Licences may also be reviewed, suspended and revoked where necessary.