A major obstacle blocking controversial British arms sales to Saudi Arabia has been partially removed after Germany relaxed a ban on weapons exports to the Gulf kingdom.

Angela Merkel’s government agreed the ban would no longer apply to existing joint projects with European partners after intense lobbying from the UK and France.

The decision means British contractors will be able to resume supplying parts for Tornado and Typhoon fighter aircraft used by the Saudi air force in the war in neighbouring Yemen.

Germany imposed a complete ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia last year in the wake of the killing of the journalist Jamal Kashoggi.

To the anger of the UK and France, the ban also applied to German components for joint projects with European partners.