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Rennie joins calls for urgent action on arms trade controls
May 10, 2006 10:20 AM
Willie Rennie, Liberal Democrat MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, will today (Wednesday 10th May) join lobbyists from across the country in parliament calling for tougher regulations to combat the global arms trade.
Mr Rennie has added his name and face to the world's largest visual petition - the Million Faces Petition which will be delivered to the UN Review Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons in June. Over 945,000 people have already signed up around the world calling for an international Arms Trade Treaty (IAAT).
Mr Rennie will today table parliamentary questions calling for the new Defence Secretary, Des Browne, to give unequivocal support to the campaign for an international Arms Trade Treaty.
The UK is one of the world's three biggest exporters of arms, with current regulations often criticised as weak and open to abuse.
Willie Rennie, a Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, said:
"At a time when the UK is one of world's leading arms exporters it is crucial that we conduct our affairs in an ethical and responsible manner. However, the arms trade is costing hundreds of thousands of lives every year and yet the Government seems content to sweep the problem under the carpet.
"The UK now has a real chance to do something about it when the UN meets in June, however any agreement will not work unless it is supported by the major exporting nations. It is crucial that the UK takes a lead in persuading countries such as South Africa and Nigeria to sign up while preventing the US from blocking the treaty.
"I will keep up the pressure on the international community to get tough on the dealers and transporters of weapons. We now need a workable Arms Trade Treaty that will bring the whole industry under control, and stop weapons being sold to those who continue to abuse human rights."
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