My reply to thousands of emails about an international Arms Trade Treaty
I have had over 7000 emails about an international Arms Trade Treaty. This is the reply that I’ve sent to those people:
Progress towards an international treaty on the arms trade has always been a key Labour priority. In Government, Labour led the way in pressing for such a treaty with Britain being the first G8 nation to take up the issue. Leading the campaign for a legally binding global arms trade treaty in 2012 was a key 2010 Labour manifesto commitment.
Irresponsible and unregulated trade in arms inflict misery on millions in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries - fuelling conflict, breaking down societies and preventing families climbing out of poverty. According to a recent NGO report, one person dies every minute from armed violence and Africa loses around $19 billion a year due to violent conflicts. A key element in helping prevent conflicts, and making them less deadly when they occur, is better controls on arms supplies.
Britain has some of the tightest controls in the world on arms sales and we are committed to several key international treaties and conventions to control the spread of nuclear chemical and biological weapons. There is, however, no substitute for a global agreement to prevent the spread of unregulated arms.
Labour believes that it is vital that a robust and effective global Arms Trade Treaty is negotiated this year with comprehensive scope and robust parameters. A strong treaty is vital to tighten the net to eliminate irresponsible trade, and ensure that legitimate trade everywhere is properly regulated. Such an agreement would help to prevent the spread of conflict and ultimately save lives and reduce human rights abuses.
This is a crucial time for the Arms Trade Treaty. It is concerning that some have suggested that the Coalition Government is not prioritising this nor playing the global leadership role taken by the previous Labour Government. We will continue to press them to do so, since without agreement I fear there could be grave consequences for future conflicts around the world.
As we head toward the next manifesto, Labour wants to hear from as many people and organisations as possible. Thank you for views and they will help us build our policy for the future.
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