UK Suspends 30 Arms Export Licences to Israel
UK Suspends 30 Arms Export Licences to Israel
The Facts
David Lammy, the British foreign secretary, said Wednesday that upon review, the UK would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing requirements under the UK's Export Control Act of 2002.
Since Britain's Labour Party ended 14 years of Conservative government on July 4, it has broken from its predecessors on a number of matters relating to Israel and Palestine — including restoring funding for the UN's Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The Spin
The new UK government, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, is breaking with the past government in a number of ways — including Rishi Sunak's interference with the International Criminal Court. This government supports the court as the cornerstone of international law.
Under Conservative leadership, the UK was in lockstep with the US with respect to its policy on Israel. However, under the left-wing leadership of Starmer, he is breaking from his closest ally.
