Written question asked by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Monday, 7 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 October 2024. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Thursday, 24 October 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Arms Trade

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 3 September (HL Deb col 1065), whether ministers were required to suspend certain export licences for items that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.

Answer: I addressed this in the House of Lords on 16 October reiterating our position. The UK's Strategic Export Licensing Criteria state that the Government will not issue an export licence if it determines there is "a clear risk" that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. On 2 September, following a review of Israel's compliance with and commitment to international humanitarian law, the Government determined that there was "a clear risk", and took the decision that the UK would suspend relevant arms export licences to Israel which could be used for military operations in Gaza. The suspension will not change the UK's support for Israel's right to self-defence in accordance with international law. The decision will be kept under review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1229
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Middle East Update
Tuesday, 3 September 2024
Proceeding contributions
House of Lords
Subjects: Armed conflict Arms trade Export controls Gaza Israel
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk