10 August 2020
A group of young people are bringing a legal challenge that aims to halt the UK government's exports of 'less-lethal' weaponry to the US, such as tear gas and rubber bullets, due to the ongoing repression of protests across the country.
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The group has so far been refused legal aid and are raising funds so that they can proceed with the case.
See: STOP ARMING THE US POLICE! (Crowdjustice, link)
For more details on the case, see: Court case begins to stop UK exporting repressive equipment to US (Deighton Pierce Glynn, link)
Recent reports suggest that the UK Government is currently permitting the supply and export of equipment to the USA in circumstances where there is a real risk that such UK-manufactured military and law-enforcement equipment is being used against protesters in dangerous and highly inappropriate repressive ways. The Prime Minister has said that any exports comply with human rights guidance, and that the UK is “scrupulous” about this, but questions from MPs have been left unanswered. Meanwhile, the US President publicly threatens further repressive measures.
In these circumstances our client is compelled to act, by taking court action to ensure that the Prime Minister fulfils his promises and suspends these exports.
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