Britain's sale of billions of pounds in weapons to Saudi Arabia is lawful, the High Court ruled today, following a review of evidence deemed "secret" to protect national security.
They described their job as "not to look at the exports themselves, but to simply look at the decision-making process", said Paul Brennan of Al Jazeera.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A spokesman for No 10 welcomed today's ruling, saying it "underscores the fact that the UK operates one of the most robust export control regimes" in the world.
However, activists from the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), which had brought the case in an attempt to block export licences for British-made bombs, fighter jets and other arms, said the judgment was "very disappointing" and vowed to appeal.
They argue the weapons were being used by the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen in breach of international humanitarian law.
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry also criticised the ruling, saying it was a "frustrating setback".
But, she added: "It will not for one second stop us fighting for justice on behalf of the thousands of civilians killed by Saudi air-strikes."
-
5 critical cartoons about the proposed Russia-Ukraine peace dealCartoons Artists take on talking turkey, Putin's puppet, and more
-
Could Trump run for a third term?The Explainer Constitutional amendment limits US presidents to two terms, but Trump diehards claim there is a loophole
-
Political cartoons for November 28Cartoons Friday's political cartoons include economic diagnosis, climate distractions, and more
-
Femicide: Italy’s newest crimeThe Explainer Landmark law to criminalise murder of a woman as an ‘act of hatred’ or ‘subjugation’ but critics say Italy is still deeply patriarchal
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro behind bars after appeals run outSpeed Read He will serve 27 years in prison
-
Americans traveling abroad face renewed criticism in the Trump eraThe Explainer Some of Trump’s behavior has Americans being questioned
-
Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
