Professionals oppose arms export sell-off

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Professionals oppose arms export sell-off

Prospect, representing professionals, specialists and scientists across government, has expressed alarm at press reports that the Department of Trade and Industry is considering privatisating its arms export licensing system.



Prospect negotiations officer Garry Graham said: "We are aware that a consultants’ report regarding the outsourcing of the DTI’s Export Control Organisation has gone to the secretary of state and we are seeking an urgent meeting to discuss its contents.

"Our key concern is that these recommendations are not about efficiency or service delivery. We fear they are about crude civil service head count reductions and Treasury accounting rules instead of what is best for UK citizens and national and international security.

"The consultants’ report appears to have been uniquely successful in uniting human rights groups, industry and unions in their opposition to the proposals. We understand that ministers have yet to make up their minds and we look forward to an early meeting, and hope that common sense will prevail."