Labour MPs and Activists Push for Total UK Arms Export Ban Against Israel

Britain must escalate pressure on Israel by implementing comprehensive sanctions and a complete halt to arms exports to halt the ongoing oppression of Palestinians, according to Labour MPs and activists speaking at the party's annual conference.

During a fringe event on Tuesday, MP Rosena Allin-Khan urged the government to take further action following its recent decision to penalize illegal settlers, a move that created significant tension with the Israeli government. “We need to keep going, don’t stop,” she stated, advocating for a total end to the UK arms trade with Israel, closing loopholes that permit military equipment transfers, and specifically targeting the F-35 fighter programme.

Ms Allin-Khan, who previously worked as a doctor in the occupied Palestinian territories, also pressed for the swift enforcement of a trade ban covering illegal West Bank settlements alongside increased accountability for Israel’s actions. The Labour government, under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has demonstrated a distinct shift toward a much firmer position regarding Israel, though sources indicate this has strained diplomatic relations to a historic low.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband addressed the conference earlier, stating that the government had openly condemned “ethnic cleansing” within the occupied West Bank. He additionally cited evidence pointing to “war crimes” in Gaza and criticized Israel’s “illegal occupation of Palestine”. Addressing party members who advocated for a stronger approach, Mr Miliband said, “We hear you. You were right.”

Describing the UK government's acknowledgment of past mistakes as incredibly powerful, Ms Allin-Khan emphasized that the time has come to suspend the arms trade entirely since the occupation is acknowledged as unlawful. She urged Britain to build a coalition with like-minded allies, expressing confidence that Mr Miliband and Mr Burnham can establish these partnerships to secure tangible results, such as delivering vital medical supplies to Gaza, where 174,000 individuals have been wounded and 50,000 left with life-changing injuries, including children.

Aseel Baidoun, deputy director of advocacy at Medical Aid for Palestinians, welcomed the government's updated stance, noting that supporters finally feel heard despite conditions on the ground remaining unchanged. While acknowledging that pro-Palestine activism has yielded results, Ms Baidoun stressed that this represents merely an initial step, calling on Britain to introduce additional sanctions and suspend its free trade agreement with Israel.