Libya: UK revokes arms export licences as violence grows

Decision taken amid escalating violence against protesters emerges as David Cameron condemns 'vicious' response to protests in Libya

The UK government has revoked eight individual UK arms export licenses to Libya as part of an "immediate and rapid" review of licenses issued in the Middle East.

The decision, taken amid escalating violence against protesters and made before the weekend, emerged as David Cameron condemned the "vicious" response to the protests in Libya, with unrest spreading to Tripoli and the reported death toll of protesters rising to more than 230.

William Hague, the foreign secretary, echoed the prime minister's comments, saying the Libyan ambassador to London had been summoned to the Foreign Office to be told "in the strongest terms our absolute condemnation of the use of lethal force against demonstrators".

The decision by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the licensing authority, to revoke the licences was driven by concerns that British arms could be used against protesters.

The department also decided to withdraw 24 individual licences and 20 open licences for Bahrain.

Alistair Burt, the foreign office minister for the middle east and north Africa, said all export licence applications were considered on a "case-by-case basis" against the Consolidated EU and UK export licensing criteria.

In the prevailing circumstances, particular attention was being paid to allegations of human rights abuses.

A review of export licences to the wider region, including Yemen, is ongoing.

"The longstanding British position is clear," Burt said. "We will not issue licences where we judge there is a clear risk that the proposed export might provoke or prolong regional or internal conflicts, or which might be used to facilitate internal repression."

As violence intensified, Cameron condemned the Libyan regime's response to protesters.

The prime minister, who flew to Cairo as part of a planned tour of the Middle East, contrasted the "appalling" approach with the conduct of the authorities in Egypt earlier this month.

He said: "We can see what is happening in Libya is completely appalling and unacceptable as a regime is using the most vicious forms of repression against people who want to see their country, which is one of the most closed and one of the most autocratic, make progress."

Hague urged the Libyan regime to behave with "humanity and restraint" and respond to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the country's people.

The foreign secretary – in Brussels for talks with fellow EU foreign ministers – said the credibility of the Libyan government had been undermined by its failure to protect the public from the use of "lethal force".

He said there should be a full investigation into the events in Benghazi and eastern Libya, with a commitment that those responsible will be held accountable.

He also called for a commitment to genuine dialogue and political and economic reform, access for international human rights monitors, the lifting of restrictions on the internet and media and an end to the intimidation and detention of journalists.

"The world is watching Libya with mounting concern," he said. "The Libyan government should be in no doubt that it will be held accountable by the international community for its actions.

"The Libyan government's refusal to recognise the extent of their people's concerns and disregard for their safety undermines their credibility. The Libyan government must take responsibility for the safety of its people."

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