Malcolm Wicks, MP
Take action on torture
Email Malcolm Wicks, MP, and ask him to take action to prevent potential torture items going to suspect regimes.
Malcolm Wicks is the UK Minister for energy. Part of Mr Wick's remit is to manage the export control office which licenses arms exports.
Companies that export items such as; stun batons, leg cuffs and shackles have to indicate to him what country they're going to and he decides whether the equipment can go.
However, he can only make a judgement for items on the list. Items that aren't labelled torture but could potentially be used to torture do not need to be included.
For instance, if a white noise machine is going to a marquee in Glastonbury it's probably fine. If a white noise machine is going to a police station in Dubai it's probably not.
A catch all clause would put the onus on the exporter to refer any item that they think may be used for torture to the government.
A simple change in the law could help put a stop to unnecessary torture.
Companies that export items such as; stun batons, leg cuffs and shackles have to indicate to him what country they're going to and he decides whether the equipment can go.
However, he can only make a judgement for items on the list. Items that aren't labelled torture but could potentially be used to torture do not need to be included.
For instance, if a white noise machine is going to a marquee in Glastonbury it's probably fine. If a white noise machine is going to a police station in Dubai it's probably not.
A catch all clause would put the onus on the exporter to refer any item that they think may be used for torture to the government.
A simple change in the law could help put a stop to unnecessary torture.
What do I say?
Here's something we knocked up earlier. Feel free to use it or adapt as you see fit.
Dear Mr Wicks, In response to concerns raised by the activist Mark Thomas, we're calling on you to do something about the export of equipment that may be used for torture.
Currently you only make decisions on the export of goods on the export control list. Items that have other purposes, such as white noise machines, needn't be declared.
A catch all clause would put the onus on the exporter to contact you when they suspect the goods they are exporting may be used for torture.
This simple measure could help bring an end to unnecessary to torture in foreign jails.
I look forward to your response.
Dear Mr Wicks, In response to concerns raised by the activist Mark Thomas, we're calling on you to do something about the export of equipment that may be used for torture.
Currently you only make decisions on the export of goods on the export control list. Items that have other purposes, such as white noise machines, needn't be declared.
A catch all clause would put the onus on the exporter to contact you when they suspect the goods they are exporting may be used for torture.
This simple measure could help bring an end to unnecessary to torture in foreign jails.
I look forward to your response.
And then?
Email him at this address - wicksm@parliament.uk
MPs usually respond in writing so you must include your address. And if you do get a response please send us a copy. We will feature Mr Wick's responses online and also forward them to Mark Thomas who is running this campaign.
Good luck
MPs usually respond in writing so you must include your address. And if you do get a response please send us a copy. We will feature Mr Wick's responses online and also forward them to Mark Thomas who is running this campaign.
Good luck
That address
Pressureworks Editor
PO Box 100
London
SE1 7RT
PO Box 100
London
SE1 7RT
 |
|
|
Terms & Conditions © Christian Aid 2007