The SNP will today (Thursday) lead a debate calling for an end to
UK arms sales to Israel - the first dedicated debate on the issue
in the House of Commons Chamber since the Israel/Gaza conflict
escalated in October and since the ICC applied for arrest
warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders
for war crimes.
Securing the debate, Dundee West SNP MP, , said the opportunity to discuss
the issue reflected growing concern amongst the public about the
scale of British involvement in Gaza, and offers the opportunity
to “right a systemic wrong”.
Since 2015, the UK has approved the export of at least £474
million worth of arms to Israeli forces, with further licences
recently granted despite ongoing investigations by the
International Court of Justice and the International Criminal
Court into war crimes committed by both sides in the conflict and
the potential genocide of the Palestinian people.
The UK Government Department of Business and Trade has failed in
their obligation to report to Parliament the updated statistics
of arms licenses granted since October 2023, indicating a
dangerous negligence of their duty and a broken arms licensing
system within Westminster.
Today's debate follows months of pressure over the continued
licensing of arms to Israel from the SNP who are demanding the UK
join the many countries, including Canada, the Netherlands and
Japan, who have already halted their sale of arms in the wake of
concerns and investigations into the conduct of the Israeli armed
forces in Gaza.
A poll by Yougov, commissioned by Medical Aid for Palestinians
and released last week, found that 55% of British people support
the UK ending the sale of arms to Israel for the duration of the
conflict in Gaza, with just 13% in support of continued arms
sales.
Commenting, MP said:
"Today's debate is an opportunity for MPs to put their opposition
to arms sales to Israel firmly on record while encouraging the UK
government to finally step up and right a systemic wrong.
“Continued arms sales have emboldened Israel in their appalling
conduct in Gaza which continues to see innocent civilians killed
every day. Each time the UK government refuses to act they mark
themselves complicit.
“There are very serious questions to be answered by Israel
about the scale and severity of their actions in Gaza, and whilst
investigations into that conduct are ongoing it is morally
indefensible to continue to licence arms.
"More than 100,000 Palestinian children, women and men have been
killed or injured since this conflict began - with Gaza now on
the brink of extinction.
“The SNP has been consistent in our demands for an immediate
ceasefire in the region and an end to arms sales to Israel and we
will continue to stand up for what's right, and what a majority
of the public support. The UK government must also follow
Ireland, Spain and Norway in recognising Palestine as a
state.
“In stark contrast, Labour and the Tories have, throughout this
conflict, dithered on adding their voice to international efforts
to end bloodshed and save innocent lives. Now is not the time for
deliberation - it's time to act.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
New poll shows sustained British
public support for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the suspension
of UK arms sales to Israel
