The UK government is yet to provide a timetable for its decision on whether to continue licensing arms exports to Israel as parliament heads into its summer recess. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that new legal advice had been commissioned to assess Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law since Labour’s victory in the general election on 4 July. However, no specific timeline has been given for the announcement of this decision.
While there are indications that restrictions on arms sales to Israel may be introduced this week, a report by The Times suggested a delay in the decision as the government reviews evidence to identify UK-made weapons potentially used in suspected war crimes. Campaigners and MPs have raised concerns about distinguishing between offensive and defensive weaponry in Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
Members of parliament, including Labour’s Afzal Khan, express confidence in restricting arms sales to Israel, citing previous prime ministers’ actions. The ongoing process underscores a need to comply with legal procedures and international obligations concerning arms exports to avoid complicity in potential war crimes.