SWINDON MP Julia Drown is among MPs from all parties who have signed an early day motion calling on the Government to strengthen a bill aimed at controlling the export of arms.

The Export Control Bill is currently being scrutinised by Parliament.

Ms Drown, who represents South Swindon for Labour, said: "I have campaigned long and hard for regulations on the export of arms, and this bill is an important step in the right direction. However, much more can be done.

"As the bill stands, UK citizens who operate their business off shore will not require a licence to export arms. I will fight for loopholes such as this to be closed, so that Parliament can regulate which states can buy arms."

Swindon's Oxfam campaigner Sarah Jenkinson said: "In today's wars, most of the people who are killed are civilians, and almost half of those casualties are children. Directly and indirectly, conflict causes and worsens poverty.

"Effective arms controls will help reduce conflict. Until we are sure that the relevant changes will be made to the final Export Control Bill, Oxfam's arms campaign will continue to focus on tightening the UK's legal loopholes, which have fuelled conflict around the world for far too long."

Amendments were tabled at the report stage of the bill in the House of Commons.

The bill is awaiting passage through the House of Lords.

Of particular concern is an amendment on sustainable development the inclusion of legislation which would ensure arms were not to be sold to countries which have no means of affording them, therefore depriving their own people of budgets that sustain the basics of life, such as health and education.

The amendments to the bill have received widespread cross party support. In addition approximately 50 MPs have signed the early day motion to date.