GUILDFORD MP ATTACKS GOVERNMENT RECORD ON ARMS SALES TO POOREST COUNTRIES

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 20th Jun 2002

In the Fair Trade debate in parliament this morning, Sue Doughty called for more joined up thinking by the Government to make a reality of its work towards debt reduction and sustainability.

She called on the Government to examine the situation where Britain continues to support arms exports to Africa, despite the Chancellor's announcement two years ago that he would end export credits for arms sales to 63 of the worlds poorest countries. She also praised environment organisations such as Greenpeace, who have now moved forward their agenda from preservation of the environment to the recognition of the need for sustainability for the people who live in the poorest countries.

Sue said:

"It cannot be right that Greenpeace have to audit, through invasion of the cabinet office, the Government's use of sustainably developed wood. How much longer will it take for the Government to join up its own thinking on these matters."