April 8, 2024
1 min read

Dowden backs sale of arms to Israel

British weapons sales to Israel gained traction in recent days amid the political fallout following the killings of three British aid workers, an attack Israel said was a “grave mistake”…reports Asian Lite News

The Deputy Prime Minister has said Britain would “not supply arms” to Israel if was unable to do so under international law but added that, at the moment, the legal advice over the issue remained unchanged.

Oliver Dowden’s comments to the BBC on Sunday come as pressure mounts on ministers to reveal what legal advice they have received on continuing arms exports to Israel.

Dowden said on the Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg TV programme that the Israelis had made “big mistakes” during the war, but would not be drawn into revealing the content of advice to ministers.

British weapons sales to Israel gained traction in recent days amid the political fallout following the killings of three British aid workers, an attack Israel said was a “grave mistake”.

“If it is the case that we can’t lawfully, in accordance with the Act, do so, of course we won’t supply those arms, but that is precisely the position, for example, even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world,” Dowden said.

“We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel.”

The Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch makes decisions on arms export licences, based on advice from the Foreign Secretary, David Cameron.

In an article in the Sunday Times, Lord Cameron said there is “no doubt where the blame lies” for the attack on the aid workers, adding that “this must never happen again”.

“Our backing is not unconditional,” he said in the article, while supporting Israel’s “right to self-defence. We expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged.”

ALSO READ-Australia Taps Special Advisor for Israeli Airstrike Probe

Previous Story

Royal Navy deployed to deliver supplies to Gaza

Next Story

Over 70k gather at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Latest from -Top News

Lahore Tops World Pollution Chart

Along with Lahore, Pakistan’s Karachi also featured in the top 10 most polluted cities globally. …reports Asian Lite News Lahore, Pakistan, continues to hold the title of the world’s most polluted city.

Sudan army pulls out as RSF seizes El-Fasher

al-Burhan made the announcement late on Monday, a day after the RSF claimed to have captured the main Sudanese army base in el-Fasher….reports Asian Lite News Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah

India vigilant as Nepal faces political uncertainty

Indian agencies suspect that external elements are making attempts to create a political vacuum in the country. …reports Asian Lite News India is closely monitoring political developments in Nepal, emphasising that stability
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel

Defence Secretary John Healey said British forces had “this evening

UNHRC to consider call for halt to arm sales to Israel

If the text is adopted, it would mark the first