Starmer: Wrong to consider total ban on UK arms sales to Israel

Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out a total ban on arms sales to Israel, amid claims such a move could aid Gaza ceasefire efforts.

The Prime Minister said a complete ban would cover arms being used for defensive purposes, adding this would be the “wrong position” for the UK to adopt given Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack on Israel.

The UK Government has previously suspended around 30 arms exports to Israel over concerns they could be used in violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.

Sir Keir’s remarks came in response to calls for a total ban from independent MPs Richard Burgon and Zarah Sultana, who both lost the Labour whip in July for backing an SNP motion on welfare policy.

Mr Burgon said the case for peace and protection of human life has “never been more urgent and compelling” as the Commons marked the first anniversary of the October 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel, which triggered wider conflict in the Middle East.

The Leeds East MP said: “An immediate ceasefire is desperately needed to stop all the killing, end the war crimes, free the hostages and get the aid into Gaza.

“But it’s clear Israel’s right-wing political leaders will keep rejecting ceasefires and keep violating international law without stronger international pressure.

“So to get Israeli leaders to back a ceasefire, don’t we need to see tougher action – including an end to all arms sales, as recent international court rulings demand?”

Sir Keir replied: “I completely agree that we need an immediate ceasefire and that’s what we’re working with, it’s what the US in particular is leading on.

“I don’t agree with a complete ban on arms sales.

“That would include a ban on arms being used for defensive purposes.

“Looking at the attack only a few days ago by Iran, I think the House will understand my position on this and the position of many across the House.”

Ms Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, repeated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and accused Israel of a “genocidal assault” in Gaza, “violence” in the West Bank and an “invasion” of Lebanon.

She asked Sir Keir if he believes Israel’s right to self-defence “justifies” the death toll in the region, adding: “And will he do what is morally and legally right and end the Government’s complicity in war crimes by banning all arms sales to Israel, including F35 fighter jets, not just 30 licences – yes or no?”

Sir Keir replied: “No. But it is a really serious point.

“Banning all sales would mean none for defensive purposes.

“None for defensive purposes on the anniversary of October 7 and days after a huge attack by Iran into Israel would be a wrong position for this Government and I will not take it.”

MPs heard more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the last 12 months, with Sir Keir adding tens of thousands have been orphaned and almost two million displaced.

He earlier said: “It is a living nightmare and it must end.

“We stand with all innocent victims in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and beyond.”