Government shuns Dodgy Deals bill despite MP support

Despite mounting pressure for action on the UK’s dodgy deals, the second reading of Lisa Nandy MP's ECGD reform bill was not heard in the Parliament today.

Unless the Government of the day decides to back it, a Ten Minute Rule Bill rarely become law, and usually is not given time for discussion in Parliament, as Government bills are prioritised. The Export Credits Guarantee Department (Regulation and Reporting) Bill was due for a second reading today.

This week has seen growing support for our Dodgy Deals campaign for reform of the ECGD as Early Day Motion 622 reaches nearly 200 signatures from MPs, including over 90% of Liberal Democrat backbenchers. The ECGD has come under criticism for demanding that countries such as Egypt, Iraq and Indonesia pay off debts that resulted from the UK backing deals with their former dictators. Meanwhile, Vince Cable, who is responsible for the ECGD and has the power to audit the debts, tried to claim that it was not his responsibility.

Last week campaigners protested outside Vince Cable’s office calling for him to take action by auditing the ECGD’s debts, and cancelling those found to be unjust.

Since the beginning of the campaign the Liberal Democrats have adopted policy calling for an audit of ECGD debts, and the cancellation of those which resulted form reckless lending to dictators, as well as for an end to ECGD support for arms exports and fossil fuel-related projects.

But so far there has been no government action to tackle this ongoing injustice.

ACT NOW: Send an email to Vince Cable calling for him to take action >>

If your MP is a Liberal Democrat, please consider writing to them and asking them to push Vince Cable to put Liberal Democrat policy into action.

Briefings for all MPs, including Liberal Democrats, and tips on how to talk to your MP about the issue can be downloaded here.