The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control systems in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account all prevailing circumstances at the time of application, including reports from Non-government Organisations and our overseas network. In particular, Criterion Two concerns the ‘respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country for international humanitarian law.

The Government will not issue an export licence if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the Consolidated Criteria, including if there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression. This assessment takes into account the specific end user and intended end use of the goods.

In this particular case the licence was issued for the temporary export of the equipment for demonstration purposes and a condition of the licence was that the goods would remain under the control of the exporter.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not release the details of investigations where no conviction has taken place or the names of those individuals or companies that HMRC have previously, or are currently, investigating.

Details of the prosecution for a trafficking and brokering offence arising under the provisions of the Export Control Order 2008 are as follows:

One individual was arrested in March 2011 for promoting the supply or delivery of handguns and hand-held surface to air missiles to Azerbaijan, in contravention of the Export Control Order 2008. In July 2012, they were found guilty on both counts and sentenced to three and a half years in respect of missiles and two and a half years in respect of the handguns, to run concurrently.

The action HMRC takes in respect of breaches of export controls will depend on the nature and seriousness of any offence, and that action is not limited to investigation with a view to prosecution.

There have been five arrests made for trafficking and brokering offences arising under the provisions of the Export Control Order 2008. One of those arrests has resulted in a conviction. Of the remainder, one has resulted in a decision not to charge, one has resulted in a compound penalty and the remaining two will shortly be referred for a charging decision.

It is important to note that the action HMRC takes in respect of breaches of export controls will depend on the nature and seriousness of any offence, and that action is not limited to investigation with a view to prosecution.