Campaigners Apply Pressure Over Cluster Bombs

The UK Government is coming under increasing pressure to outlaw the use of cluster bombs and support an international ban on the deadly weapons.

Groups including Amnesty International, Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, Handicap International and Landmine Action are pressing governments to agree to a comprehensive ban on cluster bombs.

Campaigners will this week campaign to persuade UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband to drop the government's backing for Britain's remaining cluster bombs and back a worldwide ban, The Independent reports.

The Foreign Office says banning all varieties of the weapons will leave the armed forces with an "unacceptable capability gap".

"This would have a direct impact on their ability to conduct combat missions in conflict zones."

By staff writer