2% January 2016

 

Tom Brake MP 
House of Commons  "iCe

London 

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Thank you for your email of 4 January about the recent executions in Saudi Arabia
and regional stability.

I share your concern at the recent escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and
Iran. The British Government has urged all parties to show restraint and
responsibility. and to continue to work towards resolving these tensions. We continue
to encourage all countries in the region to work towards peaceful solutions in Syria
and Yemen.

The British Government is ?rmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances
and in every country, including Saudi Arabia. We make our position known very
steady in public and in private. We expressed our concerns to the Saudi authorities,
following the execution of 47 people, on the 2 January; I did so most recently during
my visit to the Kingdom on 25 January. it is ?rmly committed to advancing the global
abolition of the death penalty.

May I take the opportunity to' refer you to my statement made to the House of
Commons on 5 January on Saudi Arabia, which reinforces, the UK's opposition to
the death penalty, which can be found here:

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With regards to the issue of arms sales and the situation in Yemen, this Government
is satis?ed that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the export
licensing criteria. We have in place a robust system of licensing and scrutiny. Each
licence application is carefully scrutinised to ensure the exports are compatible with
our national and international obligations. Risks around human rights violations are a
key part of our assessment against the Consolidated Criteria.

Yours sincerely,  

TOBIAS ELLWOOD MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State