On Thursday, March 25, new legislation was approved by both Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Act bans the weaponry’s use, production and stockpiling. As a signatory nation to the international cluster munitions ban treaty launched in 2008, the United Kingdom may well be one of the next to ratify the worldwide accord as well.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated, “We want nothing less than a full global ban on cluster munitions, with all countries signing up to the international convention.”

Our respectful accolades, Your Majesty, Your Excellency and United Kingdom for your caring vote. We join in a heartfelt wish that all countries act similarly, bringing comfort and safety to citizens across the globe.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7074984.ece
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_Cluster_Munitions
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8584135.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/25/uk.cluster.bombs/index.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/26/2856915.htm?section=justin