The London Times' diplomatic editor, Michael Binyon reported on 8 May that Robin Cook, the new Foreign Secretary, has told Foreign Office officials that the Government will take a much tougher line than the Conservatives on arms exports and may halt all weapons deliveries to countries with dubious human rights records, such as President Suharto's Indonesia.

Binyon's report also says that Britain, France and Germany have agreed on a tripartite effort to ban landmines and intensify cooperation in arms control and disarmament.

Foreign Office guidelines will outline the department's priorities intended to give much greater emphasis to human rights in Britain's dealings with other countries.