Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
21 June 2019
Dear Nicola,
War In Yemen & Scottish Government Support for Raytheon
You will no doubt have heard the welcome news from the Court of Appeal, who have ruled
that UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia are unlawful. This judgement should finally put a halt to
companies in the UK profiting from death, destruction and misery in Yemen. Until now this
deadly trade has been allowed and supported by a UK Government which has refused to
check if UK-made weaponry is being used in Saudi war crimes, for which there is compelling
evidence.
Today it was also revealed by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (Acled) that
the death toll from the conflict is nearing 100,000. ACLED has recorded 4,500 instances of
civilians being directly targeted, of which the Saudi-led coalition is responsible for the majority
of attacks. There is no doubt that UK-made weapons have contributed to targeted attacks on
civilians. Fragments of missiles produced by Raytheon have been found at many bombing
sites in which civilians, including children, have been killed or injured. Further, it is estimated
that over 85,000 children have died from starvation and cholera outbreaks since the onset of
the war.
The Scottish Government has recognised this catastrophe and supported the Yemen Crisis
Appeal. We are also aware that you have introduced a new system of human rights
assessments before public money or support is granted to a business. In light of the above,
we ask that you end Scottish Government funding and support of companies who sell
munitions and military equipment to Saudi Arabia, including Raytheon.
Kind regards

Ross Greer MSP
Scottish Green Spokesperson
for External Affairs

Alison Johnstone MSP
Scottish Green Spokesperson for
Children and Young People