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Soldiers

UK Government Accused of 'Criminal Negligence' Over Arms Export Scandal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Critics, including Welsh MP Adam Price, have demanded a full investigation into the British government's alleged role in allowing the export of over 20,000 semi-automatic pistols to Iraq, which have likely fallen into the hands of al-Qaeda terrorists. The scandal has been likened to the Scott Inquiry, which reported in 1996 on allegations that British companies had sold arms to Iran and Iraq during a time of war. The accusations come as the Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to address the issue and prevent further harm to British soldiers and civilians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government has been accused of 'criminal negligence' for allowing the export of over 20,000 semi-automatic pistols to Iraq.
  • The shipment of arms was sanctioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, despite warnings in 2004 that the situation in Iraq was too dangerous for the export of small arms.
  • The Beretta 92S guns were flown to Stansted Airport for Customs officials' approval before being exported to a US military base and then distributed to Iraqi police in Baghdad.
  • The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Adam Price has demanded an urgent investigation into the allegations and called for government ministers involved to 'accept full responsibility and resign'.
  • The export of arms may have broken EU and UN rules, as the government failed to ensure the exported weapons did not go to terrorists.
  • The government claim that they have the most stringent arms export terms in the world, but the Italian government blocked the deal, and the UK allowed it.
  • Defence Secretary John Reid has dismissed claims by Iraq's former prime minister, Iyad Allawi, that the country had descended into civil war, saying sectarian violence was worsening but not at the point of civil war.
  • A petition calling for an inquiry into Britain's involvement in Iraq has been launched, with organizers saying up to 100,000 people attended a major demonstration in London.

Statistics:

  • Over 20,000 semi-automatic pistols were exported to Iraq.
  • The shipment of arms was sanctioned by the Department of Trade and Industry in July 2004.
  • 10,000 British soldiers have been deployed in Iraq since the invasion in 2003.
  • Up to 60 people are being killed every day in sectarian violence in Iraq.
  • The number of people attending the London demonstration on Saturday was around 100,000.

Sources:

  • "Welsh MP accuses government of 'criminal negligence' over arms exports" by Paul Rowland, Western Mail (no date given)
  • "Defence Secretary rejects former Iraq PM's civil war claim" by (no author), BBC News (no date given)
  • "Thousands send text messages demanding inquiry into Britain's role in Iraq" by (no author), The Guardian (no date given)

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