Text tabled : B7-0588/2011

  Richard Howitt (S&D), in writing. – I am proud to have co-sponsored this resolution which calls unequivocally on EU countries to oppose the draft protocol which seeks to weaken the ban on cluster munitions. Less than 2 years after the Convention was passed and with 16 000 civilian victims this year – including in Libya – there is no case to weaken the ban and every reason not to do so. Allowing the use of cluster munitions produced after 1980 will not save the lives of the 98% of civilians who are the victims of these weapons. Under Labour, Britain was a leading proponent worldwide of the ban. I have seen the destruction of the munitions myself at Shoeburyness in my constituency. And I am ashamed that Britain, under a Conservative-led Government, is seeking to reverse this position.