Israeli Arms Exports

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I have long advocated for stricter controls on the UK’s arms exports to prevent their use in potential human rights violations. As early as April last year, our party leader, Sir Ed Davey, urged the Government to suspend arms exports to Israel, making him the first leader of a major UK party to take this stance. It is deeply concerning that the Government has failed to act on this urgent issue, despite repeated calls from colleagues and I.

Any government which, like Israel, has been found to have repeatedly breached UN Resolutions and has multiple International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court judgements against it should be a ‘presumption of denial’ for arms exports. Indeed, this should also apply to all governments identified as ‘human rights priorities’ in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Human Rights and Democracy report. The Government’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully with this issue is unacceptable, particularly given that Israel’s far-right government has resorted to cold-blooded slaughter of women, children and aid workers and choose to use starvation and withholding of life-sustaining aid as a weapon in their attacks on Gaza.

As you may be aware, I have consistently pressed the Government to act. Though they have withheld some arms, it has been insufficient. The Government’s refusal to act is unacceptable, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will continue to press for accountability and action.

You may have heard that I recently visited the West Bank and witnessed the appalling treatment of Palestinians by the IDF, Israeli police and “settlers”. It also brought home to me that it’s not just about the supply of arms, but the supply of construction machinery and materials which aid the rapacious growth of Israel’s illegal settlements.

Regarding Early Day Motions, I have signed EDM 1230, which, among its core text, states:

That this House expresses its outrage at proposals by the Israeli Government to indefinitely occupy Gaza; condemns the plans for the further forced displacement of Palestinians; affirms its belief that, if realised, these would constitute clear breaches of international law;…urges the Government to commit to banning the export of all UK arms to Israel to ensure no UK weapons can be used to perpetrate human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

I am also a Co-Sponsor of EDM 1315, which can be found here: EDM 1315.

You may also appreciate these links to my most recent representations to Government Ministers, as well as posts to social media:

4th April 2025
4th March 2025
29th October 2024
15th October 2024
7th October 2024
10th July 2024
9th October 2023

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue and will push for a more ethical and responsible foreign policy.