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Israel: Arms Trade

Asked by Clive LewisLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 5 August 2024UIN 1955

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his policy on arms transfers to Israel will use the principle of atrocity prevention.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The Foreign Secretary's advice on arms sales follows the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, (SELC) including an assessment of commitment to IHL Compliance (SELC 2c) using a methodology that the Court of Appeal has accepted in judicial reviews. It draws on open-source evidence, intelligence, accounts of diplomatic and ministerial engagements, and correspondence with Israel.

That review process is underway. It is complex and requires careful consideration. The Government will make public its decision as soon as that process is complete.

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