PRIME Minister David Cameron is on an official visit to the Middle East this week in an effort to boost sales of UK arms and defence equipment.
Despite attempts by Number 10 to downplay the trip, media reports have highlighted the controversy around the UK’s role in selling arms to regimes in countries such as Saudi Arabia.
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:
“The fact that the Prime Minister is making yet another visit to the Middle East to peddle arms raises more serious questions about the government’s commitment to peace in this unstable region.
“Unfortunately the UK has a shameful track record of exporting arms and equipment to regimes in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Libya.
“We can’t claim to be on the side of peace and democracy while our Prime Minister acts as a travelling salesman for the arms industry.
“It’s time to urgently review our role in the international arms trade. Our economy may need a boost, but we certainly don’t need this dirty money.”
ENDS