My understanding is that there has been, and for many years, a 'revolving door' between the Ministry of Defence and the various defence procurement companies & arms manufacturers. So, preserving defence company profits is, I think, a built-in to UK government policy. Further, since the whole area is shrouded in secrecy, it appears to be nigh on impossible to pour sunlight or cold water on what happens in this area.

If there is EU resolution to suspend arms sales why is Macron still refusing to abide and continuing to sell weapons to the Saudi regime: https://www.france24.com/en/20181026-macron-france-halt-saud...