While suggesting it will be tougher towards Israel than Conservative predecessors, the suspension also highlights Labour’s difficulty in pleasing both Jewish groups with which it has worked hard to repair relations and its left-wing, largely pro-Palestinian base.
The reaction to Monday’s (Sep 2) announcement indicates the size of that task: Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the decision “beggars belief” but human rights groups said it failed to go far enough.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament that the UK would suspend 30 out of 350 arms exports licences, citing a “clear risk” that they could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law.
He said the partial ban covered items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza”, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones but does not include parts for Israel’s advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Lammy announced a review into Israel’s conduct of its war against Hamas militants shortly after centre-left Labour swept to power in a landslide general election victory over the Conservatives in early July.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has largely followed the same approach to the Israel-Hamas war as the Tories, repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the speeding up of aid deliveries into Gaza.
Source: CNA
