. ‒ On behalf of the UK Conservative Delegation in the ECR Group, I would like to clarify our vote today.The UK is a strong supporter of robust and effective controls on the export of dual-use items, which safeguard international security and uphold human rights values. Recent developments on the global stage have brought new challenges to export licensing in respect of dual-use items, therefore, strengthening the dual-use export control system should be an international priority. We recognise this and agree with the need for an export control upgrade.However, there are some elements of concern, such as the overly broad definition of cyber surveillance items, which could jeopardise legitimate trade in a number of defensive security items. This will only create uncertainty for exporters not familiar with export controls, not to mention the administrative burden on the competent authorities. Additionally, we strongly supported the introduction of an end-use control in connection with acts of terrorism, as in the Commission’s proposal, and that has now been left out of the report with no solid argument for its omission.Whilst we supported this report today, a number of areas need clarification, and we support Parliament entering into negotiation with Member States with a view to correcting these deficiencies.
2016/11/22