UK announces partial suspension of arms exports to Israel
The United Kingdom says it will suspend 30 of 350 arms exports licenses to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
He said the decision to suspend the licenses did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, adding that the UK continues to support what he called Israel’s “right to self-defense” in accordance with international law.
Soon after the Labour Party won the general election in July, Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to Britain’s ally Israel to ensure they complied with international law.
“It is with regret that I inform the House [of Commons] today the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” Lammy said.
Over the past months, cities across Britain have seen protests against UK’s support for Israel. Protesters have repeatedly called on London to stop arming Israel.