Dear friends,

Since we wrote to you last week, new reports suggest that the US administration has frozen new arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This is great news which comes after years of pressure from anti-arms trade groups in the US – and it is an opportunity for us to pressure the UK government to do the same.

Thousands of civilians have been killed in Yemen by air strikes by the Saudi- and UAE- led coalition. These attacks are carried out with weapons supplied by the US and the UK, and sustained by their ongoing military support.

This war would not be possible without these arms sales.

If you agree that the UK should also freeze arms sales to Saudi Arabia, please take action now: send a message to your MP today.

Last week, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, reiterated Biden’s Presidential campaign promise to “end our support for the military campaign led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.”

Such action could not come a moment too soon.

In December, UNICEF warned that “Yemen is teetering on the edge of complete collapse. Over 80 per cent of people require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. Including 12 million children, whose lives are a waking nightmare.” A political solution is urgently needed.

A global day of action this week increased the pressure on the new US administration to keep its promises. As we continue to support our US allies, we must also use this opportunity to put pressure on the UK government.

Hundreds of us have already contacted our MPs to urge the UK government to stop the arms sales, and to work together with the new US Administration to bring an end to this devastating war. Can you add your voice?

These developments in the US are a real opportunity to influence the UK government and end its deadly deals with Saudi Arabia. We'll be back in touch soon with more ways we can take action together. Thank you for your continued support.

In hope,

Sarah
Campaign Against Arms Trade