Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2025 (named day). It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Arms Trade: Exports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to recommendation 12 on page 63 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, whether his Department's review of export licensing policy will include an examination of the effectiveness of the Export Control Joint Unit.

Answer

The implementation of the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendations will be led by the Ministry of Defence.

This will include the transfer of UK Defence and Security Exports from the Department for Business and Trade to the MOD.

This will also include consideration of how our export licensing processes can best support UK industry participation in international defence programmes.

It does not include plans to change the operation of the Export Control Joint Unit, which is led by the Department for Business and Trade, supported by MOD and FCDO.

It also does not include plans to change our Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, through which ECJU implements its responsibilities under the Export Control Act.

DBT and MOD will continue to engage with the relevant committees in Parliament on the detail of this work as it develops.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
62174
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Arms trade Licensing Exports Strategic Defence Review Export Control Joint Unit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk