Stephen welcomes the government’s bans on arms exports to Israel
Yesterday, 2 September, the Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary suspended the export licenses for 30 arms export licenses to Israel. Stephen welcomed the Government’s decision, which he has long called for.
The export bans affect licenses for equipment that the Government assesses that Israel is using in the current conflict in Gaza, including licenses for drones, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. The bans are the result of a review commissioned by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on the first day of the new Government.
“I welcome the Government’s decision to suspend 30 arms export licenses,” Stephen said. “The situation in Gaza is intolerable and I am glad to see the new Government putting every diplomatic effort toward bringing an end to this terrible conflict.”
The Government’s decision to suspend arms export licenses follows the Government reinstating UK funding of UNRWA and dropping the previous Government’s challenge to the right of the International Criminal Court to seek an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netenyahu. The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have also urged the Israeli Government to accept US-backed peace proposals.