Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-Israel Military Co-operation Agreement

Monday 20 May 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister states no evidence of white phosphorus use by Israel and reaffirms confidence in Israel as an important ally.
  • Minister assures that the UK-Israel strategic partnership and F-35 programme will not be jeopardised by reviews of their relationship.
  • Minister reiterates commitment to a two-state solution and emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and defence in the region.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kenny MacAskill
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over the UK's military pact with Israel and allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances about banning the use of white phosphorus munitions were not provided.

How: Focus On Our Confidence In Israel, Stressing Importance Of Peace

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Q2 Kenny MacAskill
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over the potential for UK arms embargoes to inadvertently support Hamas by not targeting Iran's continued arming of Hamas.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation on changing defence agreement policies was not provided.

How: Assured That Relationship With Israel Allows Making Representations

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Q3 Andrew Percy Con
Defence Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Answered
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Q4 Kevan Jones Lab
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over the future of the UK-Israel strategic partnership, particularly in light of the war in Gaza.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Our commitment to a two-state solution remains unchanged, aiming for Palestinians to achieve statehood through our diplomacy and defence posture throughout the region.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific future direction of partnership was not outlined.

How: Commitment To Two-State Solution Is Unchanged

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Q5 Flick Drummond Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over the UK's military pact with Israel and allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances about banning the use of white phosphorus munitions were not provided.

How: Focus On Our Confidence In Israel, Stressing Importance Of Peace

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