Official statement from the UK government or Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UK Labour Government Implements Secret Arms Embargo on Israel Pending David Lammy's Decision

Aug 5, 2024, 02:14 PM

The United Kingdom's Labour government has reportedly implemented a secret arms embargo on Israel, suspending new arms export licenses, including military radios and body armor. According to various sources, the embargo is pending a review of possible British complicity in Israeli war crimes. Colonel Richard Kemp criticized the move, calling it disgraceful. The Daily Mail reports that no new arms export licenses are being issued pending updated advice to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from government lawyers. However, the UK government has denied these reports, stating there has been no change in its approach to export licenses to Israel. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is yet to make a final decision on whether to halt weapons exports.