Results for: UK Arms Exports

Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords will gather on Wednesday, April 24, for a special session to examine the United Kingdom’s arms exports to Israel. The session, held by the Business and Trade Committee, will feature testimony from experts on legal, political, and military issues surrounding these exports. Since 2008, the UK has authorized over £574 million worth of arms to Israel. This figure comes from an analysis of government export data conducted by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), a UK-based organization advocating for an end to the global arms trade. CAAT has raised concerns about UK industry contributions to F-35 combat aircraft, which have been allegedly employed in the recent bombardment of Gaza. The session takes place amid reports of civilian casualties and alleged mass graves in Gaza, following Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket attacks. The UN has expressed dismay over these reports.

The UK government’s continued arms exports to Israel have raised concerns, particularly in light of the recent conflict in Gaza. Despite calls from MPs to halt exports, the government maintains that there is no clear risk of violating international law. However, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Alicia Kearns expresses questions and concerns about the government’s decision-making process.