Press release

Arms Trade Treaty: UK government response to US withdrawal

Following the US withdrawal from the Arms Trade Treaty, the UK has released a statement.

A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said:

The UK remains committed to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and regrets the US decision to withdraw from the Treaty. The ATT is the only legally binding treaty, regulating and promoting legitimate and responsible trade in conventional arms. It remains a unique and valuable instrument.

We will continue to work with the US, as responsible arms trade partners, on tackling illicit arms transfers and ensuring the right conditions for a responsible, legitimate arms trade. We continue to encourage other states to join the Treaty, this is important for the ATT to function effectively, and we continue to support and encourage implementation of the ATT by existing and new States Parties.

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Published 30 April 2019