Arms Trade Issues

This is NOT OK

The UK government claims it has a "responsible" attitude to arms sales. Yet it spends public money on persuading some of the world's worst human rights abusers and most unstable regimes to buy weapons. CAAT's campaign says This is NOT OK.

Introduction to the Arms Trade

The vast majority of arms sold around the world, including those to human rights abusing governments or into conflict areas, are legal and actively supported by governments. Take our tour around the key issues of the arms trade.

Arms Fairs

Arms Fairs exist so that arms buyers and sellers can come together, network and make deals. They allow the weapons manufacturers to promote their products to regimes in conflict, those with terrible human rights records, or with human development needs.

UKTI: Armed & Dangerous

The UK government doesn't just approve the sales of arms to unstable & despotic regimes - it actively promotes them - through a taxpayer funded arms sales unit. CAAT is calling for the closure of the UKTI Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) and an end to its functions.

Jobs and the Economy

One of the few ways the Government and the arms companies can rally public support for the arms trade is to claim that it keeps people in work. But these jobs are supported by public funds and the Government could reallocate the resources to create work in far more socially-useful activities.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the world's largest arms producer and it sells its weaponry indiscriminately around the world. Investigations into allegations of corruption in numerous countries has led to plea bargain settlements with authorities in the UK and US, and other investigations continue.