SELLING ARMS TO INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Early day motion 1665, tabled 18 July 2002 by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes the misjudgement of the British Government in continuing to sell arms to both India and Pakistan throughout the recent crisis over Kashmir; notes with concern that Whitehall sanctioned export licences in military equipment ranging from ammunition to missiles to both countries; is especially concerned that in recent meetings with senior Indian ministers and defence chiefs, newspaper reports suggest that the Secretary of State for Defence used the opportunity to push the contract to sell 66 Hawk training jets to India from BAE systems; is concerned that meetings which are supposed to be for brokering peace are being used as arenas to help arms deals; and believes that this Government is following an unethical foreign policy which is immoral and shows total disregard for humanity.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 11, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 3, Labour 2.