The UK must suspend all trade licences for rubber bullets, tear gas, riot shields and other riot equipment to the United States. Since 2011 there has been a mechanism in place to suspend such licences to countries which experience a sharp deterioration in security or stability. It is clear that authorities in the United States have misused this equipment to suppress the rights of peaceful protesters and journalists.

These actions have violated human rights and the principles which form the foundations of modern democracy. We must show that this country does not support the use of excessive force on peaceful civilians. We cannot be complicit in the suppression of protesters who are fighting for basic human rights. Until the United Kingdom can be sure that this equipment will not be used to prevent peaceful protest, we must suspend its trade.