PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(13 May 2025)

Each export licence application is assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, which provides a thorough risk assessment framework. The Government will not grant an export licence if to do so would be inconsistent with the Criteria for a controlled item. The Criteria require us to carefully consider the impact of the export of items and their capabilities. Risks around human rights violations and abuses are a key part of our assessment. The Government will not grant a licence for items where we determine there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate internal repression which includes a serious violation of human rights.

Legislation also expressly provides for these stringent processes and standards to be applied to non-controlled goods on a case-by-case basis, items intended for use by the military, paramilitary, security forces (including government intelligence organisations), or police forces of a destination, subject to an arms embargo.

We can and do respond quickly and flexibly to changing or fluid international situations. All licences are kept under review as standard.