UK arms export criteria say that if there is a “clear risk” that a weapon might be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) then an arms export should not be licensed – although in practice very few sales are halted.
The Saudi-led coalition that is fighting against Houthi rebels in Yemen is accused of engaging in indiscriminate bombing, which has contributed to 8,759 civilian deaths in the country according to the Yemen Data Project.
Sarah Waldron, of Campaign Against Arms Trade, said: “UK-made weapons have been central to a bombardment that has destroyed schools, hospitals and homes and created the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.”