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

Von der Leyen Faces Twin No-Confidence Votes

The two bids have one common thread which is criticism over the European Union-US trade deal and the disfavourable terms it has placed on European exporters….reports Asian Lite News European Commission President

India-EU Trade Talks Resume

The proposed India-EU FTA covers 23 policy areas, or chapters, of which at least two – market access and rules of origin – have yet to be resolved….reports Asian Lite News India

India Launches Relief Ops in Bhutan

The Royal Government of Bhutan has expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Army…reports Asian Lite News Amid unprecedented floods caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, relentless rainfall has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US military assets to remain in Middle East

Ryder’s comments come as Israel debates possible retaliation to Iran’s

New Israeli coalition govt seeks early swearing-in

According to the reports, the reason behind the move are