EU ARMS EMBARGO ON CHINA

Early day motion 986, tabled 19 April 2004 by Harry Cohen (Labour). Signed by 63 members.

That this House notes that the European Council has invited the General Affairs and External Relations Council to re-examine the question of the embargo on the sale of arms to the People's Republic of China; is concerned that, not only does the existing embargo still permit EU member states to export arms components to the People's Republic of China, but that a number of EU member states have expressed support for the lifting of this embargo at an early date; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to make a commitment to maintaining this embargo and to make representations to EU partners to do likewise, on the grounds that the People's Republic of China continues to abuse human rights, to occupy Tibet and to use the international war on terror as an excuse to repress people who engage in non-violent political activity.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.