Plaid Cymru reiterate call for suspension of arms exports to
Israel
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, has today
(Tuesday 27 February) described the UK Government’s position on
arms sales to Israel “deeply hypocritical”.
Foreign Secretary said on 20 February that “we
are calling for a stop to the fighting right now”.
However, the UK is continuing to licence arms to Israel. A
Ministry of Defence contract dated 17 January represents the
first time Britain has struck a deal with Elbit’s UK subsidiary
since Israel began retaliatory attacks on Gaza following the 7
October attacks by Hamas.
Elbit reportedly supplies up to 85% of Israel’s drones and
land-based military equipment, describing its Hermes 450 drones –
which have been used by Israel for strikes on Hamas targets in
Gaza in recent months – as “the backbone of the Israeli Defence
Forces”.
Ms Saville Roberts said it was “deeply hypocritical” to continue
arms export licences while calling for a cessation in violence.
The Minister for Development and Africa, said in response to the SNP
spokesperson Brendan O’Hara that “Britain has the toughest
weapons regulation and arms export regime in the world.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster
leader, said:
“The Foreign Secretary has called for “a stop to the
fighting right now” .
“But the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with arms
manufacturer Elbit on 17 January. This is a company which
reportedly supplies up to 85% of Israel’s drones and land-based
military equipment.
“The Minister called for advice in looking at how arms
are exported. Does he not agree that in light of this the UK’s
approach appears to be deeply hypocritical. What advice does he
need to stop the sale of arms?”
In response, the Minister said that the Government had already
made their position clear on arms sales.
Ends.
NODIADAU I’R GOLYGYDD /
EDITOR’S NOTES:
UK accused of being ‘complicit’ in Gaza deaths after giving Elbit
new contract: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/elbit-systems-israel-arms-uk-government-contract-ministry-of-defence-7-october/
UK’s Cameron warns fighting in Gaza must stop ‘right now’:
https://www.politico.eu/article/uks-cameron-warns-fighting-in-gaza-must-stop-right-now/
