I know the Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.

These Consolidated Criteria provide a thorough risk assessment framework and require the Government to consider possible impacts of providing equipment and its capabilities.

Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. I understand the Government will not issue export licences where there is a clear risk that the goods might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

In addition the Government can attach conditions to licences, and in line with the Consolidated Criteria, it can review licences and suspend or revoke as necessary when circumstances require.

You may be interested to know that quarterly and annual statistics on all export licensing decisions are published on Gov.uk, including details of export licences granted, refused and revoked. These are available at the following address: www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-controls-licensing-d…