Thread by @DannyShawBBC

BREAKING: Govt facing legal action over claims it’s allowing exports of riot control equipment, inc tear gas, to USA. Lawyers for a black British protestor have written to @trussliz International Trade Secretary amid concerns it’s being used on Black Lives Matter demonstrators.

According to arms campaigners, the Government has approved export licences to the United States over the past five years for anti-riot guns, ballistic shields, hand grenades and tear gas. Lawyers for the black activist have called on @trussliz to suspend such exports...

In a legal letter, seen by @BBCNews, @trussliz is being asked to give guarantee that “no goods will be exported to the US which may be used to ‘quell’ or ‘dominate’ public protest..or be used as part of the excessive violence against in particular black US citizens.”

The letter suggests judicial review proceedings will follow if the assurances are not provided by next week.

Protestor taking potential legal action says: “I'm outraged that the UK is playing any role in arming the US police departments as they forcefully repress their people and disregard the humanity of Black people in a show of flagrant racism.” Govt has been contacted for response.

Govt says “We consider all our export applications thoroughly against a strict risk assessment framework and keep all licences under careful and continual review as standard. This, of course, applies to our exports to the US.”