Constituents have contacted me with their concerns about export licences and the conflict in the Middle East.

On 7th October 2023 Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with International Humanitarian Law, as the UK Government has said from the outset. 

The UK Government continues to call for International Humanitarian Law to be respected and civilians to be protected. The UK Government keeps advice on Israel’s adherence to International Humanitarian Law under review and will act in accordance with that advice. 

All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

The UK Government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out of Gaza, before progressing towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. There are a several vital elements for a lasting peace, including: the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have reiterated these messages in their contacts with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli political leaders, as well as leaders in Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE.