Britain is to refuse all new applications for arms and military equipment to be exported to Zimbabwe as part of its reaction to continuing violence in the country.

The supply of 450 Land Rovers to the Zimbabwean police has also been put on hold until land occupations end, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook told MPs in a House of Commons statement. Mr Cook said Britain nor any other donor would fund a programme of land reform in Zimbabwe unless it is conducted within the rule of law. And he said any programme must also be based on a fair price to farmers and would also need to reduce poverty among the rural poor who have no land. The sanctions were welcomed by shadow foreign secretary Francis Maude, but he also called for Britain to suspend all aid to Zimbabwe.