Government wins its appeal against the High Court ruling that it acted unlawfully by halting the Serious Fraud Office investigation into BAE's Saudi arms deals.

Campaign Against the Arms Trade response to High Court ruling

• Posted on Aug 4, 2008

On 30 July 2008, the Government won its appeal against the High Court ruling that it acted unlawfully by halting the Serious Fraud Office investigation into BAE's Saudi arms deals.

CAAT believes that the ruling highlights a gap in the law which enables arms dealers with friends in high places to avoid being investigated for bribery and corruption. Bowing to pressure from BAE and its friends, the Government has used the national security argument to protect the profits of a company that continues to sell arms to oppressive regimes.

The public response to the case, as well as considerable coverage in the media, has shown that public opinion is not on the Government's side. 125 MPs from all the main parties, along with over 130 NGOs from around the world, opposed the Government's decision. No longer as susceptible to exaggerated claims about the number of jobs dependent on Saudi arms deals, the public has become aware of the Government's continued subservience to BAE. This has placed CAAT and our allies in a considerably stronger position as we continue to tackle the negative effects of arms companies on democracy, justice and human rights.

Following the initial ruling by the High Court in April, the Government introduced the Constitutional Renewal Bill, provisions of which would prevent parliament or the courts questioning decisions based on 'national security'. CAAT and The Corner House have been monitoring progress of the Bill, which is clearly a response to our judicial review against the Government. The Committee report on the first draft of this Bill is due to be announced tomorrow . You can keep up with the latest campaign actions against this Bill by visiting our website http://www.caat.org.uk/actnow.php .

CAAT have been overwhelmed by the many messages of support we have received throughout this case and would not have been able to mount this legal challenge without our supporters. Our victory in the High Court earlier this year was testament to the effectiveness of a strong campaign and CAAT wouldn't be what it is without you!

This case has enabled us to create a wider awareness of arms trade issues and we need your continued support to enable us to continue our campaign, so please do what you can to help by making a donation, signing our petitions and postcards or becoming involved in our local campaigns. Your contribution gives us the voice we need to achieve our goal of ending the international arms trade.

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