Arms Exports to Israel

I am reassured that the Government takes seriously its legal obligations with regards to the licensing of arms for export to Israel and elsewhere. Indeed, the UK has one of the most rigorous licensing regimes in the world. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account the precise nature of the equipment and the identity and track record of the recipient. The Government has consistently said it does not, and will not, issue licences where it judges that the proposed export would provoke or prolong internal conflicts, or where there is a clear risk it might be used to facilitate internal repression or be used aggressively against another country and I have always fully supported this stance.
 
I warmly welcome the fact that the Government continues to support a range of projects and organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel which work on promoting human rights, dialogue and coexistence. I am clear that the UK Government is deeply committed to promoting our trade and business ties with Israel and accordingly is strongly opposed to the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions Movement. I do not believe that imposing sanctions on Israel would be a constructive step given that the UK enjoys a productive relationship with Israel which enables us to express our views at senior levels very frankly.