Luke Pollard MP Labour & Co-op Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport
Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy gives an update on arms export licences to Israel, following the completion of the government’s review. pic.twitter.com/oF9QUiqZgV
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 2, 2024
Yesterday the government announced the suspension of around 30 out of a total of approximately 350 arms export licenses to Israel in response to concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Since coming to office, the Labour government has led international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis.
On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, commissioned a thorough review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law, given the grave concerns about the conduct and consequences of the war in Gaza for civilians.
The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the Government cannot issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit of facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.
On completion of that review, this government has concluded that a clear risk does exist. This means we are legally obliged to suspend export licences for those items that could be used in the current conflict.
Alongside our allies, we have repeatedly made clear to the Israeli government our deep concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The review found that those concerns had not been addressed.
We have also continually advocated for the release of hostages who have been cruelly held captive by Hamas for nearly 11 months. We condemn the appalling murder of six innocent hostages in the strongest terms. Hamas should release all the hostages immediately. The Foreign Secretary has met with the families of hostage families in both Israel and the UK. We have repeatedly and unequivocally condemned Hamas terrorism, the barbaric acts of 7th October and ongoing rocket attacks against Israel.
The situation in Gaza is intolerable and our priority remains achieving an immediate ceasefire which sees hostages released, civilians protected and aid flood in. We urge all sides to accept the deal to end this war.
The Labour government is committed to play its full diplomatic role in securing a ceasefire deal and creating the space for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.
Our common goal of peace in the middle east will never be lasting until there is safety, security and sovereignty for both Israel and a Palestinian state.