SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION

Early day motion 448, tabled 7 January 2003 by Tony Colman (Labour). Signed by 70 members.

That this House notes with concern that the Small Arms Survey of 2002 estimates that total global stockpiles of small arms and light weapons have risen by 16 per cent. over the previous year; notes and commands the 'Biting the Bullet' project launched by Saferworld, International Alert and the University of Bradford to ensure that governments meet their obligations outlined in the UN Programme of Action agreed in 2001 and broaden and deepen international agreement on further mechanisms to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; commends the UK Government for organising a conference on international export controls at Lancaster House on 14th January; and calls on all governments represented to work together to tighten their export controls and combat the proliferation of small arms through agreeing a legally binding instrument to control arms brokers and traffickers.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 6, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.