• The UK and Australia are working together at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to regulate the global arms market.

The aim is to prevent weapons reaching the hands of terrorists, insurgents and those who abuse human rights or try to undermine stability in parts of the world that can least afford it.

The UK and Australia co-authored a successful Resolution at the United Nations calling for further detailed work in 2009 on the Arms Trade Treaty.

The global arms market is increasingly complex. Existing control systems don’t give complete coverage, leaving gaps to be exploited by those who operate in the illicit market. A global Arms Trade Treaty would close those gaps.

There’s more information from a dedicated page about the Arms Trade Treaty on the website of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.