DUNDEE WEST SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick is calling for a total ban on controversial cluster bombs as inter-national figures gather in Dublin to discuss the use of the weapons.

The bombs, which can be air-dropped or ground-launched, eject a number of smaller “bomblets” which can cause widespread harm to civilians if used indiscriminately.

The Westminster Government is understood to be in favour of exemptions for two types of cluster bombs which it has stockpiled.

However, Mr FitzPatrick is opposed to that position and has made this clear to defence secretary Des Browne.

He wrote to Mr Browne ahead of the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on cluster munitions which gets under way today urging a complete ban.

In his letter he said, “It has been reported that the UK Government may seek exemptions for certain types of this weapon. However, all cluster bombs cause massive harm to innocent victims and their use must be outlawed.

“I would strongly urge that the UK joins with the 100 other countries already supporting a total global ban on cluster bombs, with no exceptions.”

Mr FitzPatrick said there could be no “half-way house” for the UK Government—either it supported a ban or was in favour of weapons that caused indiscriminate injury to civilians.

He added, “Over 60 per cent of civilians injured by cluster bombs are children. That cannot be justified.

“In Lebanon and countries across the world civilian casualties are still taking place as a result of the use of cluster bombs in previous conflicts.

“I would strongly urge the Secretary of State and the UK Government to support a full ban on all cluster bombs to ensure that these unacceptable civilian casualties are ended.”

The Dublin conference aims to negotiate a new agreement banning cluster bombs and Mr FitzPatrick claimed that any refusal by the UK to sign up to it would add legitimacy to other nations which use the weapons in a “less ethical manner” than UK forces.

He has also gained cross-party support for a motion at the Scottish Parliament demanding a complete ban on cluster bombs.