ALYN Smith is right to raise concerns about the lack of legislation or meaningful controls for drones and killer robots (SNP call for an end to use of ‘lethal’ robots, December 17).

Drones are used in war zones around the world, with little in the way of oversight or accountability. We are always told how accurate they are, but the civilian cost has been devastating.

READ MORE: SNP call for ban on 'killer robots' as Westminster 'buries head in the sand'

The development of killer robots is chilling. We are getting ever-closer to a point in which robotic weapons will be able to fire at will and without human intervention.

What is needed is a pre-emptive and comprehensive international prohibition on their use. The UK Government should take stock of Alyn’s warnings and join calls for this.

Emma Cockburn
Campaign Against Arms Trade