New proposals on export licensing announced

Proposals for a series of measures related to export licensing have been announced by foreign secretary William Hague.

They are designed to make the system more transparent and enable the immediate suspension of licenses in countries that experience a decline in stability.

It was noted this builds on a review on defence and security exports following recent uprisings in the Middle East and Africa.

Mr Hague claimed he is pleased these plans are in place, adding this will enable the government to be more reactive to changes in the circumstances of another nation.

"Suspension will not be invoked automatically or lightly, but triggered when conflict or crisis conditions suddenly increase the level of risk, or make conducting a proper risk assessment difficult," he explained.

Growth might remain a priority for exports and chief executive of DHL Express in the UK and Ireland Phil Couchman claimed the flat base rate will make a positive contribution in this regard.