ARMS EMBARGO ON CHINA

Early day motion 630, tabled 1 February 2005 by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 52 members.

That this House expresses its grave concern at the proposal, endorsed by the British Government, to remove the EU arms embargo on the People's Republic of China; notes that the embargo was originally imposed due to the 1989 massacre at Tiananmen Square; further notes that the Chinese Government continues to hold 14 people prisoner as a result of their involvement in the protests at Tiananmen Square and that the use of the death penalty, extrajudicial executions and torture all remain commonplace, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang; expresses its concern about the possible impact on the position of Taiwan in the event of the lifting of the embargo; welcomes the Government's undertaking to seek a stronger EU Code of Conduct on arms sales; expresses its hope that the code will become legally binding on all EU member states, with clear mechanisms for enforcement; but requests that the Government reconsider its support for lifting the embargo on China.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 18, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2.