HISTORIC VOTE BY EU PARLIAMENT TO BAN CLUSTER BOMBS

2.23.15pm GMT Thu 16th Nov 2006

The European Parliament today voted to adopt a resolution calling for a total ban on the production, stockpiling or use of cluster munitions. The vote comes as Governments prepare for the final day of the Conference to review certain types of Conventional Weapons and the start of the Conference on Biological Weapons next week in Geneva.

Speaking after the vote Lib Dem Liz Lynne MEP and joint author of the resolution said;

"I am delighted that the European Parliament has voted to put its weight behind moves to ban cluster bombs."

"How much more evidence do people need that these weapons cause the same sort of horrific injuries as landmines"

"I believe it is shocking that the British Government is dragging its heels and has failed to commit to a total ban despite the calls by one of its own to do just that"

I congratulate Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development, for the stance he has taken recently, but it is now time for the British Government to sign up to Protocol V of the Conventional Weapons Convention. Not to do that would call into question its credibility as a Government supposedly committed to protecting civilians within conflict situations."

"I call on them and all other Governments to listen to the Red Cross, other International Bodies and now the European Parliament and move towards a complete ban on this barbaric weapon."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Third Review Conference of the 1980 Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW, the so-called 'inhumane weapons convention'), is taking place in Geneva from 7 to 17 November 2006;

The Sixth Review Conference of the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) to be held in Geneva from 20 November to 8 December 2006;