New poll shows Government out of step with public on arms exports

An opinion poll for Campaign Against Arms Trade, published today Monday 22 November 2004, shows majority support for a ban on arms exports. Of those questioned 44% said we should not sell military equipment to other countries, while 35% disagreed^[1]. Currently the Government allows arms to be exported to many other countries, including countries outside the EU and NATO^[2]. The poll was conducted by BMRB International using 1001 face-to-face interviews of adults aged 15+ in Britain between 28 October and 3 November 2004.

Andrew Wood from Campaign Against Arms Trade said

This poll shows the Government is out of step with the majority public opinion. The present arms licensing system is ineffective, satisfying corporate interests and the abuse of power. The public has remained consistent over many years in their opposition to arms exports to other countries, preferring no exports to only exports to the European Union and NATO countries, let alone sales to any country.^[2]

Summary of survey:

Editors Notes

1. See question 4 of the survey. There were 26% who Agree strongly and 18% who Agree slightly that We should not sell military equipment to other countries, i.e. a total of 44% who agree. Conversely 21% Disagree slightly and 14% Disagree strongly, i.e. 35% who disagree.
2. See question 3 of the survey. There were 10% who Agree strongly and 24% who Agree slightly, i.e. 34% who agree that We should sell military equipment only to countries that are in the EU or NATO.

A similar poll was undertaken in 2003 for Campaign Against Arms Trade and in 1998 for the Government’s Central Office of Information. CAAT’s 2003 survey showed 45% opposed arms exports. The 1998 Government poll showed 41% opposed arms exports.

Contact Campaign Against Arms Trade on 020 7281 0297.