Government Must Address Concerns on Saudi Arms Deal - Harvey

4.23.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Aug 2006

Commenting on the news that Saudi Arabia is to buy 72 Eurofighter aircraft from the UK, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary Nick Harvey MP said: "This deal gives a welcome boost to British industry and jobs but raises major issues which must be addressed.

"The Foreign Office itself says the Saudi Government has 'continued to violate human rights'. The Government must seek concrete assurances that these planes will not be used for internal repression and will make special provision for monitoring their use.

"This deal raises particular concerns as the Serious Fraud Office investigation into the last controversial UK-Saudi arms deal is still ongoing. The Government must publish the 1992 National Audit Office report on the 'Al Yamamah' deal, which inexplicably remains secret.

"Given the controversy over Al Yamamah and numerous corruption allegations, we need cast-iron guarantees about the probity of this transaction. It must be wholly transparent and free from corruption."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Nick Harvey MP has tabled the following motion in the House of Commons which could force the Government to publish the 1992 NAO report on the Al Yamamah deal:

EDM 2653 - NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE STUDY OF AL YAMAMAH

25.07.2006, Harvey, Nick

That this House calls for the publication of the memorandum dated 29th January 1992 submitted by the National Audit Office on the Saudi Arabian Air Force Project (Al Yamamah) to the Public Accounts Committee.