The Government takes its defence export responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world.
As I understand it, two licences, one for an air cooler and the one for various radio spares, were erroneously granted for export to Saudi Arabia. In the case of the former, the Department for International Trade were not made aware that Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) troops were in Yemen prior to the licence being granted. I welcome that the licence for the radio spares has been revoked. A third licence was also identified as granted in August, but was unused and has now been revoked too.
I am pleased that a full independent investigation is taking place into the initial granting of these licences. During this investigation, all decisions relating to the export of military goods to Saudi Arabia and its Coalition Partners will be subject to additional and more stringent compliance processes. I am confident this will ensure no more licences are granted in error.
