FRENCH weapons sales to Saudi Arabia increased by a staggering 50 per cent last year despite accusations of war crimes as the reactionary Gulf kingdom bombs Yemen to the brink of famine.

France is a world leader in the deadly weapons trade. The latest government report showed the country’s total arms sales rose by 30 per cent in 2018 with the biggest increases to its European allies.

Despite its government calling for an end to the “dirty war” in Yemen, France sold €1 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia.

A large percentage of the sales was of patrol boats used in a Saudi blockade of the port of Hodeidah. That action led to a humanitarian crisis as essential food and medicine was prevented from reaching Yemeni citizens.

France insists that its arms sales are guided by strict procedures in line with international treaties and laws.

In the report’s preface Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly says: “Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies. 

“It is also about fighting terrorism and protecting our nationals on the ground.”

However Tony Fortin of the Paris-based Observatory for Armament said: “With such transfers revealing a geopolitical alliance with these regimes and total violation of international commitments, one can only expect worsening conflicts in Yemen or the Horn of Africa, where the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are beginning to redeploy in partnership with France.”

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that French weapons are only used in defensive situations.

However journalists from investigative media outlet Disclose have revealed a leaked report, seen by Mr Macron in October, which showed that 48 French cannons were used on the front line.

In a chilling attack on press freedom, three journalists face jail for their role in publicising the leak.