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Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 15 October 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 October 2018. It was answered by Baroness Fairhead (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 October 2018 on behalf of the Department for International Trade.

Exports: Israel

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that United Kingdom companies are not selling equipment to Israel to be used for the demolition of Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

Answer

Where equipment is subject to export controls the exporters must have a licence authorising shipment. All export licence applications are assessed rigorously against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. The Consolidated Criteria provide a thorough risk assessment framework and require us to consider the impact of providing equipment and its capabilities. The Government will not grant a licence if to do so would be inconsistent with these criteria, including respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

We continue to raise concerns with the Israeli authorities about demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes. The British Government is fully committed to the promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Where a company decides to trade is ultimately a decision for each company to reach, taking account of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as international human rights law. The British Government will continue to encourage and foster respect for human rights among UK businesses.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10702
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Demolition Exports Israel Palestine West Bank
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk