BAE demands immunity on US sanctions

[emad]

Sunday Times
Dominic O’Connell



BAE SYSTEMS, Britain’s biggest defence group, is pushing the British government to split with Europe and negotiate a special exemption to spare the UK from American sanctions over arms sales to China.

BAE executives and defence officials fear Congress will stop the transfer of vital defence know-how if Europe lifts its embargo on arms exports to China. Washington sources say four top legislators — senators John McCain, Joe Biden, Richard Lugar and Joe Lieberman — are ready to ban all technology transfers.

Mike Turner, BAE’s chief executive, said the company wanted a “carve-out” deal that would exempt Britain. BAE would not export any important UK technology if the embargo was scrapped.

“We have been very clear and upfront that if the embargo comes off, you will not see BAE exporting sensitive UK technology,” said Turner. “We have far too much at stake in the United States.” BAE is America’s sixth-largest defence contractor, with a US turnover of nearly £3 billion.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-1502262,00.html

[jamesinca]

1. So who cares what the rest of the world thinks

I want a republican to ask me that one more time. This is why we need to care. This is one of only several reasons why we need to care. Russia is dealing nuclear material and such to Iran, Venezuela is not selling any oil to the U.S. They are only buying military items from the rest of the world, not the U.S. China is looking to buy from the rest of the world, not the U.S. Maybe some time in the past, or in the very distant future when I can sit and read about the adventures of the U.S. government and not feel as if my eyes will bleed then maybe we can ask why we should care. As of right now, we better care.

[Stella_Artois]

2. Just hot air

They can't stop sharing defense contracts and data with the UK.

The new F35 is a joint venture between the UK and the US. Without the UK buying F35's the cost to the US will soar, making the whole program a disaster.