The British Government takes its defence exports responsibilities extremely seriously and operates some of the most robust export controls in the world. We only approve equipment which is for Israel's legitimate self-defence, when we are satisfied that this would be consistent with the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria and other relevant commitments. All applications for export licences are assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict criteria. We will not issue a licence if there is a clear risk that the equipment might be used for internal repression, or if there is a clear risk that it would provoke or prolong conflict. We continue to monitor closely the situation in Israel and Gaza, and if extant licences are found to be no longer consistent with the Criteria, those licences will be revoked.

Military items sold to other countries by the UK require export licences. Export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all prevailing circumstances at the time of the application. Signed end user undertakings from the intended recipient, about the intended end use, form part of our consideration but we do not rely solely on these when making our assessment.

Following events in 2018 on the Israel/Gaza border the Government reviewed all extant military export licences for Israel. We have no information to indicate that UK-supplied equipment has been used in a way that is inconsistent with the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. The Government continues to monitor the situation in Israel and Gaza very closely.

Where JCB equipment is subject to export controls the exporter 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.

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. The UK government has had discussions with JCB on a range of subjects and continues to encourage and foster respect for human rights among UK businesses.

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.

No spare parts for Land Rover vehicles were supplied to the Israeli Defence Force during 2017.

In general the Department holds information only about the value of goods licensed for export, not about the value of sales.

In 2013, the UK granted a total of 178 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) for military-rated goods with a value of £10,011,169.

Cryptographic equipment and software are dual-use items and the vast majority are for civil end use – they are not arms. In 2013 we granted 88 SIELs for cryptographic equipment, software, and related components. The vast majority of the value of these related to one licence, for electronic components and circuit boards which are specifically designed for building mobile phone networks for public use. They do not meet military specifications and they are not suitable for building military communications equipment. The end-user is a commercial stockist and distributor of electronic components and equipment. Given the nature of the equipment and intended end-use we do not have any concerns that the goods might be diverted for military end-use.

All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria in light of the prevailing circumstances. The Government announced the findings of its review of licensed exports to Israel on 12 August.