EU CODE OF CONDUCT ON THE ARMS TRADE

Early day motion 607, tabled 17 December 1997 by Tess Kingham (Labour). Signed by 174 members.

That this House supports the Government's move to establish an EU code of conduct that sets high common standards over arms sales; welcomes moves to prioritise this initiative during the United Kingdom presidency of the EU; notes that last year the EU accounted for over 35 per cent. of all arms sales to the developing world; recognises that to be effective such a code should be based upon comprehensive and unequivocal criteria, rigorous implementation and consultation procedures, prior parliamentary scrutiny of arms exports to sensitive destinations and greater transparency over the arms export licencing system; and urges the Government to support the inclusion of these elements in the code and for their incorporation into national legislation of all EU member states.

Signatures by party: Labour 113, Liberal Democrat 33, Labour/Co-operative 9, Conservative 8, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 4, Independent 1, Independent Conservative 1, Unknown 1.