A Bill to establish a presumption against licensing arms exports to certain countries designated by the Secretary of State as being countries of concern in relation to their respect for human rights; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
28 April 2017
The Bill would create a default rule that arms export licences should be refused for countries designated as 'countries of concern' because of their human rights records. It places human rights at the heart of licensing decisions and covers arms exports and related activities. The Secretary of State would designate which countries count as countries of concern, with possible exemptions or related rules.
The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to detailed scrutiny in a Committee stage and later stages.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was expected to have its second reading debate on Friday 12 May 2017.
However, as a General Election has now been called and Parliament will be dissolved from 3 May 2017, the Bill falls and no further action will be taken.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
