I must admit that I thought it would be a while before the sequel to this would emerge, and I suppose if we are applying strict dictionary definitions this isn’t really a sequel. Perhaps a proof of past – or on-going – attitudes, or an indicator for the future.
It would appear that Saudi Arabia has been dropping bombs in Yemen, using weaponry from the £3 billion sales deal with the UK. Yes, us. Along with more from the USA and France. In contravention of the Arms Trade Treaty.
Now, naturally, government spokesmen have stated there is no evidence that what we have sold to Saudi has been used to target civilians, but I suspect you may get a slightly different response from Médecins Sans Frontières, whose hospitals have been bombed repeatedly.
I know we have a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia, based I assume on both having royal families, and shared ‘enemies’ over the years. Which of course also means that, notwithstanding their less than appealing human rights record, and our apparent strident discussions regarding this, we will continue to deal with them, and more specifically sell them weapons of efficient destruction.
It begs the question of exactly how far down the road of either human rights abuse or murderous involvement in other country’s wars does a country need to go before the UK government will say enough is enough.
It also raises a clear indicator for our future negotiations outside the EU, and the moral restrictions that includes. If there is money to be made, then any question of dubious behavior will come a very poor second behind the need to prove that one of the worst decisions made by the British people – ever – was actually a good move.
And meanwhile innocent people, and those brave souls who try to care for them, will continue to die, not at our hands, but with tools we made. That takes the shine off a summer’s day.
cherokoffdotcom 