Petition debates
It's important to understand that debates following petitions do not result in a vote on the actual topic of the petition, or to agree with it, or to oblige the Government to take any action. Instead, those in the room, vote that they have "considered" the petition.
Nor do debates on petitions usually take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons, rather they are held in the smaller area known as Westminster Hall. The only people to vote on the petition are those in the Hall at the time of the debate, unlike in full debates on proposed Government legislation.
Arms sales
The UK Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. Export licenses are not issued where to do so would be inconsistent with the consolidated criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the items might be used for a serious violation of international law.
EDMs
In common with many other MPs, I do not sign EDMs. I do not consider them to be an effective use of parliamentary resources, and it should be noted that they have absolutely no direct impact on Government policy. I prefer to raise concerns directly with ministers, as I have done so on numerous occasions in the past few months.
