ampaigners with a Stop Arming Saudi banner outside Picture of the Royal Courts of Justice

Documents – before the hearing

CAAT is challenging the UK government's decision to continue to license the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia. This page collects together the legal documents from before the first hearing in July 2016.

Last updated 2 September 2020

These documents became public before the hearing on 7 and 8 February 2017.

8 January 2016 CAAT’s solicitors Leigh Day sent the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills a pre-action protocol letter for judicial review challenging the government’s decision to continue to allow the export of arms to Saudi Arabia despite a clear risk they might be used to breach IHL.
16 February 2016 Government response to 8 January letter.
9 March 2016 Leigh Day issued the formal legal challenge on CAAT’s behalf.
30 March 2016 The Government responds formally.
11 April 2016 CAAT answers the Government’s points.
18 April 2016 A High Court judge considers CAAT’s application without a hearing and refuses permission to proceed. CAAT immediately applies for a full High Court hearing asking for permission to bring a Judicial Review.
23 June 2016 Outline of CAAT’s case for the hearing.
29 June 2016 Outline of the Government’s case for the hearing.
30 June 2016 The High Court hearing took place and CAAT was given permission by Mr Justice Gilbart to proceed to a Judicial Review. This is to take place over three days at some points before 1st February 2017.
11 July 2016 Sealed Order from the High Court.

More documents

Legal challenge details

Learn more about CAAT legal challenge to the UK government licensing military equipment exports to Saudi Arabia and read the legal documents.

Campaigners with a Stop Arming Saudi banner outside Picture of the Royal Courts of Justice, including a man wearing a Stop Arming Saudi t-shirt printed white on black, and a person holding a green sign with the same message

Documents from the hearing in 2017

CAAT is challenging the UK government's decision to continue to license the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia. This page collects together the legal documents from the legal hearing in February 2017.

Activists outside High Court with Stop Arming Saudi Arabia banner

Documents related to the appeal

CAAT is challenging the UK government's decision to continue to license the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia. This page collects together the legal documents covering the 2017 Judgment and 2019 Appeal

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