Developing countries ‘owe’ hundreds of millions to the UK for arms deals which have caused human rights abuses and environmental destruction. Too often these deals have been shrouded in corruption. Over 90% is owed to the UK’s Export Credits Guarantee Department.
In early 2011 the Egyptian people overthrew dictator Hosni Mubarak. But his debts remain, and the UK is still expecting payment. It’s not just Egypt: Iraq, Kenya and Indonesia still owe millions to the UK for debts run up by their dictators.
Jubilee Debt Campaign believes the British government must take responsibility for the support given to dictatorial regimes through loans to buy arms and other goods. As Egyptians continue their struggle for democracy, it’s time to break the chains of dictator debt.
Take action!
Please write to the Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, ask him to audit debts to the UK, cancel those found to be unjust, and adopt a prohibitions list to prevent debts like these being created in the future.
Come to the Halloween demonstration supported by Campaign Against Arms Trade.
A note on our image:
In 1989 Bill Sienkiewicz illustrated a deck of cards designed to bring to light some of the sleazier folks that the U.S. government had done deals with. The text on each card was written by Dennis Bernstein and Laura Sydell. This may be copyright violation, but since these cards have been out of print for more than 15 years, we hope no one will call us on it. If they do we will of course take this down.
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