Arms Export Licensing Israel 2026-09-01
2026-09-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises concerns about arms export licensing to Israel in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
I am concerned about the arms export licensing to Israel. I ask the government to take steps with Cabinet colleagues to review these licences.
The government categorically does not export any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza. We suspended 29 licences in September 2024, and approximately 50 licences have been refused since then. All licences are assessed in line with the strategic export licensing criteria and are kept under continual review.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about taking steps with Cabinet colleagues, but the response did not specify any such action.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner inquires about the UK's stance on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
Will the UK ban all trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, sanction companies profiteering from this trade, and enforce the International Court of Justice ruling against illegal occupation?
The hon. Gentleman will have heard the statements made by the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on this issue, and he should expect further announcements in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific actions but the response was vague, promising future announcements without providing specifics.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises the issue of reviewing arms export licences to ensure no British military equipment is supplied to Israel that could be used in the West Bank.
Given the escalating Israeli violence in the West Bank, will the Government review their export licences to ensure no British military equipment is supplied to Israel that could be used there?
My hon. Friend makes a very important point, and as I assured the hon. Member for Melksham and Devizes (Brian Mathew), we keep all our licences under review. We only approve licences that are consistent with our legal obligations, and all of them are kept under careful and continual review, as standard. We will of course keep the House updated on the implications of any other announcements we make.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a review of licences, but the response was vague, indicating existing review practices without specifying a new review.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner asks about introducing sanctions to target settlers involved in attacks and extremist Ministers who encourage such attacks, as well as extending a trade ban on illegal goods to services.
Will the Government introduce new sanctions to target settlers involved in attacks and extremist Ministers encouraging them; extend the reported progress towards a trade ban on illegal goods to services; and set out the consequences if bans are breached?
I share the hon. Gentleman's horror at some of the things we have seen going on in those illegal settlements, and we have absolutely condemned the settler violence—the settler terrorism—that we have seen. We absolutely condemn the proposals for E1 and all illegal settlements; we have joined other countries around the world in condemning that proposal. We have been clear with the Government of Israel that this must stop. The Prime Minister has been clear that we need to do more, including looking at further sanctions on those involved in the violence in Gaza, as well as at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements. We have been clear that British companies should not be financing, constructing or advertising new settlements.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific new sanctions and consequences, but the response was more general and vague.
Response accuracy