The Divisional Court has dismissed a legal challenge brought by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) against the licensing of military equipment to Saudi Arabia for use in the conflict in Yemen. CAAT contended that open source reporting indicated that the Saudi-led Coalition had committed serious violations of International Humanitarian Law in Yemen and that continued licensing of arms exports for use in this conflict contravened the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. The Divisional Court, reviewing both open and closed evidence, concluded that the Secretary of State’s decision to continue the grant of licences was not irrational.
Jessica Wells (led by James Eadie QC of Blackstone Chambers and Jonathan Glasson QC of Matrix Chambers) acted for the Secretary of State.
