UK-Israel Military Co-operation Agreement 2024-05-20
2024-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the UK's military pact with Israel and allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza.
The rector of Glasgow University, an eminent Palestinian surgeon, has detailed horrors faced by children needing surgery without morphine due to white phosphorus munitions use. Why are we in a military pact with forces carrying out such actions? If the Minister will not repudiate the pact entirely, will he ensure that the use of white phosphorus munitions is unacceptable?
Of course it is not acceptable. We see no evidence that white phosphorus has been used, we focus on our confidence in Israel as an important ally, and stress the importance of protecting civilians. Peace requires Hamas to lay down arms and release hostages.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances about banning the use of white phosphorus munitions were not provided.
Focus On Our Confidence In Israel
Stressing Importance Of Peace
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the potential for UK arms embargoes to inadvertently support Hamas by not targeting Iran's continued arming of Hamas.
If a person calls for an intifada or chants genocidal chants, they are supporting Hamas. People can also be inadvertent supporters through having an embargo on Israel while Iran continues to arm Hamas. Will the Minister confirm that UK Government have no interest in changing their policy on defence agreements with Israel?
Indeed, we are assured that our relationship with Israel allows us to make representations about protecting civilians and increasing humanitarian aid. We do this while being aware of the broader threat from Hamas and Iran.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation on changing defence agreement policies was not provided.
Assured That Relationship With Israel Allows Making Representations
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern over potential impact of a review of UK-Israel relations on the F-35 programme which provides significant technological advancement for the UK defence industry.
The F-35 programme has given capability to our Air Force and Navy, providing jobs and technological advancement. Could the Minister give an assurance that any review of our relationship with Israel will not jeopardise this programme?
I can give absolute assurance that no review will jeopardise the F-35 project, which delivers devastatingly effective power for us and our allies and provides 20,000 UK jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the future of the UK-Israel strategic partnership, particularly in light of the war in Gaza.
Following the 2020 agreement, Britain and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership with extensive security and defence co-operation. Will the Minister outline the future of this partnership given the recent conflict?
Our commitment to a two-state solution remains unchanged, aiming for Palestinians to achieve statehood through our diplomacy and defence posture throughout the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific future direction of partnership was not outlined.
Commitment To Two-State Solution Is Unchanged
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the UK's military pact with Israel and allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza.
The rector of Glasgow University, an eminent Palestinian surgeon, has detailed horrors faced by children needing surgery without morphine due to white phosphorus munitions use. Why are we in a military pact with forces carrying out such actions? If the Minister will not repudiate the pact entirely, will he ensure that the use of white phosphorus munitions is unacceptable?
Of course it is not acceptable. We see no evidence that white phosphorus has been used, we focus on our confidence in Israel as an important ally, and stress the importance of protecting civilians. Peace requires Hamas to lay down arms and release hostages.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances about banning the use of white phosphorus munitions were not provided.
Focus On Our Confidence In Israel
Stressing Importance Of Peace
Response accuracy