Labour attacked over arms sales record

Labour's record on arms sales is getting worse, with ministers easing export controls since the 11 September atrocities, a former special adviser to the cabinet minister Clare Short claims today.

David Mepham accuses the Government, which came to power with a commitment to an "ethical dimension to foreign policy", of failing to live up to its promises. He adds: "Post-11 September, there is evidence of a further weakening of controls, with arms going to countries that are seen as onside in the 'war on terror', even when they have poor human rights records or are very unstable."

His report cites the sale of components for F16 jets to Israel, an "inappropriate and costly" air traffic control system to Tanzania and military equipment to India and Pakistan at the height of the Kashmir crisis. He adds: "A short-termist approach to these issues is particularly inappropriate. Recent history demonstrates that 'my enemy's enemy is my friend' is a flawed basis on which to conduct foreign policy."

Mr Mepham was special adviser to Ms Short, the Secretary of State for International Development, until he moved to the Institute for Public Policy Research, a Blairite think-tank. His report was jointly written with Paul Eavis, director of an anti-arms sales group.