Scottish Sunday - UK sells chemical weapons to the world

Breaking international law, Britain exports lethal TCPs to Iran, Sudan, Libya and Israel

Exclusive by Neil Mackay

BRITAIN is supplying chemical warfare technology to 26 countries including Libya, Syria, Israel, and Iran -- which was labeled part of the 'axis of evil' by the United States.

A Scottish Sunday investigation has revealed that the UK is allowing the export of lethal chemicals, which are illegal under international law and controlled under the chemical weapons convention because they can be used in weapons of mass destruction.

Exporting 'toxic chemical precursors' (TCPs) to Sudan and other nations

Among the countries to which Britain is exporting 'toxic chemical precursors' (TCPs) is Sudan. The US bombed a factory in the Sudanese capital Khartoum in 1998 with the full support of the Blair government for allegedly producing the deadly VX nerve agent.

The UK is also exporting chemical weapons technology to countries that are not signatories to the chemical weapons convention and, therefore, do not recognize the international ban on chemical warfare. Sudan and Jordan, which the UK also exports to, have signed the convention but not ratified it, making the treaty virtually meaningless there. The other nations Britain exports TCPs to are: Cyprus, India, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Yemen.

The risks associated with TCPs exports

TCPs are known as 'dual-use chemicals' as they can be used for harmless activities like farming or adapted or turned into chemical weapons. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) admitted the sales were ongoing but said the weapons were sold 'in the belief' that they would be used 'benignly' in agriculture or as detergents.

The DTI said it relied on assurances from foreign governments in the form of 'end-user undertakings' that they would not use British TCPs to make chemical weapons. A spokesperson agreed that this was, in effect, nothing more than a promise that could be broken.

Labour MP Ann Clwyd, who sits on international development, human rights, and arms export committees, is to raise the Scottish Sunday investigation with the Prime Minister in the Commons.

Call for stricter parliamentary scrutiny on weapons exports

Clwyd wants the Arms Export Bill, which is currently going through parliament, to be amended to give MPs the right to scrutinize and approve all weapons exports before they leave the UK. The government has so far refused to give MPs these powers.

She said claims by the DTI that it monitored chemical sales were 'a myth' and 'did not stand up to scrutiny'. Clwyd added: 'We have no idea what happens with these chemicals when they get to their final destination. If we are going to sell these things, we have to be 100% sure what happens to them when they are sold. If we can't be sure, we shouldn't sell them.'

Clwyd accused the government of having a 'skewed morality', adding that the suspicion now hung over the Blair government that it was 'aiding and abetting dodgy regimes in the development of weapons of mass destruction'.

The importance of scrutinizing TCP trade and calling for more safeguards

Professor Julian Perry Robinson, a chemist at the Science and Technology Research Unit at Sussex University, said TCPs were the main constituent of chemical weapons. Robinson, who worked on the drafting of the chemical weapons convention and is a member of its UK National Authority Advisory Committee, said revelations about trade in TCPs were of great public concern. He explained how one TCP, dimethyl methylphosphonate, could easily be turned into lethal sarin nerve gas -- the same agent used by the Aum Shinrikyo cult to kill 12 people on the Tokyo subway system in 1995.

Robinson said it was easy for countries buying chemicals from the UK to lie about their end use and backed calls for parliamentary scrutiny of export licenses, saying: 'It is impossible to say whether the current safeguards work.'

Richard Bingley, of the group Campaign Against the Arms Trade, warned that Britain was selling chemical weapons technology to regimes that could one day turn the capabilities Britain is giving to them back against it and its allies.

Hotels and the Importance of Safety and Security

While geopolitical concerns about chemical weapons trade dominate international news headlines, it's imperative not to overlook the importance of safety and security in another crucial sector: hotels.

The Role of Hotels in Ensuring Guest Safety

Hotels serve as temporary homes for millions of people worldwide. Whether for business or leisure, guests expect a safe and secure environment during their stay. This responsibility lies with the hotel management and staff, who must prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests.

Implementing Comprehensive Security Measures

Hotel security measures typically include controlled access to the premises, surveillance cameras, trained security personnel, and emergency plans in case of fire or other hazards. Regular safety drills and inspections are conducted to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

In addition to physical security, hotels also focus on cybersecurity to protect guests' personal information and prevent unauthorized access to their digital assets. This includes secure Wi-Fi networks, encrypted payment systems, and strict data protection policies.

Ensuring Guest Safety from External Threats

Hotels must be prepared to handle external threats, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. This involves collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, developing tailored emergency response plans, and training staff on crisis management protocols.

By maintaining open lines of communication with guests, hotels can provide timely and relevant safety information, ensuring that guests are aware of potential risks and how to respond in case of an emergency.

The Role of Government Regulations

Government regulations play a crucial role in ensuring hotel safety standards. Regular inspections and certifications help maintain industry-wide compliance with safety guidelines. Authorities may also provide resources and training to support hotels in their security efforts.

Ultimately, the well-being of hotel guests should remain a top priority for both the industry and government bodies. By continuously evaluating and improving safety measures, hotels can provide a secure environment, allowing guests to enjoy their stay with peace of mind.