BBC: Benn calls for cluster bomb ban (UK Int'l Development Secretary)

[blackhorse]

Benn calls for cluster bomb ban

A worldwide ban on the use of cluster bombs is being called for by the international development secretary.

Hilary Benn said they had a very serious humanitarian impact and likened them to land mines, which were banned under international law in 1999.

<snip>

n it he said: "The high failure rate of many cluster munitions, and the failure of many militaries around the world to use these munitions in a targeted way means that cluster munitions have a very serious humanitarian impact, pushing at the boundaries of international humanitarian law.

"It is difficult then to see how we can hold so prominent a position against landmines, yet somehow continue to advocate that use of cluster munitions is acceptable."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6117924.stm

[Greeby]

1. Of course Benn jr didn't make a peep when his boss used them

But now that the Deputy Leadership is up for contention...... :eyes:

You're not your father, Hilary