The trade, foreign and defence ministers face scrutiny from MPs over sharp rise in weapons sales to Israel, despite a partial ban meant to limit arms used in the Gaza conflict
The British government is under growing pressure to explain a sharp increase in arms exports to Israel, despite a declared partial ban on military equipment that could be used in the Gaza conflict. Three Labour ministers—Trade Minister Douglas Alexander, and counterparts from the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence—are set to face a parliamentary grilling amid allegations that loopholes in export controls may be enabling UK-made weapons to reach Israeli forces active in Gaza.
The inquiry will be led by Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, who has requested a formal appearance by the ministers. In a letter to the departments, Byrne demanded a clear justification for the rise in weapons approvals to Israel and called for full transparency around the nature of export licenses granted or amended since the ban was introduced.
In September 2024, the UK government announced a partial embargo on arms transfers to Israel, specifying that items directly involved in Gaza military operations—such as aircraft components, drones, and targeting systems—would be restricted. The aim was to ensure that British exports did not contribute to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, recent data has raised questions about the effectiveness and enforcement of that policy.
A report by the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), published last week, revealed that the UK approved arms export licences worth £127.6 million to Israel in the final quarter of 2024 alone. That figure exceeds the cumulative total of all UK arms exports to Israel for the previous three years combined.
Byrne noted that ministers had previously assured MPs that restrictions covered equipment “assessed as for use in the current conflict in Gaza,” and demanded clarification on how that assessment is being applied in practice. In particular, he has asked for figures on how many licences have been modified to exclude Israel as an end user—a key measure of whether the policy is being enforced rigorously.
A recent Campaign Against the Arms Trade report reveals the UK approved £127.6 million in arms export licences to Israel in late 2024—surpassing the total exports from the previous three years combined
A recent Campaign Against the Arms Trade report reveals the UK approved £127.6 million in arms export licences to Israel in late 2024—surpassing the total exports from the previous three years combined.
The scale of the exports—and the ambiguity around what is covered by the ban—has fuelled criticism from opposition MPs, human rights groups, and even some members within Labour’s own ranks. The CAAT report warns that the figures suggest UK firms may be exploiting the narrow scope of the embargo to continue supplying dual-use components and military technologies to the Israeli military.
On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy attempted to reassure parliament, stating that “arms are not being delivered to Israel that could be used in Gaza.” However, according to figures reported by The Guardian, the government has issued over £61 million in single-use licences for military goods to Israel since the ban was introduced, including aircraft parts, munitions, and surveillance equipment—all of which could potentially be used in the Gaza theatre.
Critics argue that the partial nature of the embargo has created loopholes that allow continued sales under broad or non-specific categories. Without clearer guidelines and stronger oversight, they warn, British firms may unwittingly—or deliberately—fuel a conflict that the UK has publicly sought to de-escalate.
The parliamentary session will likely reignite debate over the UK’s broader arms trade policies, particularly in conflict zones where international humanitarian law is at stake. Liam Byrne has made clear that he expects answers—not just assurances—on how Britain balances its commercial defence interests with its legal and moral obligations under international law. The upcoming testimony from Douglas Alexander and other ministers may also test Labour’s commitment to transparency and human rights, especially amid global scrutiny of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has left thousands dead and displaced many more.
For now, Britain finds itself walking a diplomatic tightrope—keen to support its strategic ally Israel while facing mounting pressure at home and abroad to ensure its exports are not contributing to further bloodshed. The outcome of the select committee’s inquiry could determine how that balancing act holds in the months to come.
