SNP urges UK on cluster bomb ban

SNP MEP Mr Alyn Smith and MSP Joe FitzPatrick have today reiterated their call for the UK to join the international consensus on banning cluster bombs at the international conference underway in Dublin after newspapers reported a possible u-turn by the UK Government

Today’s Guardian Newspaper reports the UK is about to drop its opposition to a ban, though may still request a phasing out of these devastating weapons rather than an immediate ban.

The SNP endorses calls for a complete ban and Mr FitzPatrick has won cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament for such a ban.

Speaking from Brussels Mr Smith said:

"There is no doubt that cluster bombs are ineffective, unjustified and immoral, and it is no coincidence that the countries leading these negotiations are Norway and Ireland. This morning’s reports that the UK may endorse a ban mark a significant u-turn, if they are true.

"I have this morning written direct to the UK Prime Minister urging a u-turn on this issue and hope that in the coming days we may hear good news from Dublin.

"Attempts to spin that the Prime Minster is so in favour of a u-turn look a little tenuous given his own Defence Secretary just last month said very clearly the munitions have 'significant military value', but the fact is that if the UK does change policy and endorse a treaty banning these odious bombs then nobody will be happier than I."

SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick said;

"As with land mines before them cluster bombs have a huge impact on the lives of civilians unfortunate enough to live in the world’s war zones.

"Over 60% of civilians injured by cluster bombs are children. The brightly coloured bomblets attract children as if they were shiny toys or a ball to play with. The consequences are horrific and can not be justified by this government or any other.

"Any refusal by the UK to sign up to a full ban only adds legitimacy to other nations who may use cluster bombs in a less ethical manner than UK forces and consigns the bold ambitions of those 100 countries seeking a ban to failure.

"In the Scottish Parliament I have won the support of MSPs across parties to see cluster bombs banned. This is not a party political issue, it is one of humanity and conscience and I hope when it comes to the crunch the UK Government will sign up to a full and immediate ban."