Lord Cameron says UK position on Israeli arms sales remains ‘unchanged’

Lord Cameron said the UK’s position on arms sales to Israel “remains unchanged”.

The foreign secretary made the comments after being asked about the latest advice the government had received about whether the country was violating international law in Gaza.

After seven aid workers, including three British volunteers, were killed last week, No. 1 has come under increasing pressure to publish the legal advice it has received on the issue.

Speaking at a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lord Cameron said: “In line with the requirements of the UK’s strong arms export control regime, in relation to Israel and international humanitarian law, I have now reviewed the situation in Gaza. The latest suggestion is that Israel launches military operations.

“This latest assessment leaves our position on export licenses unchanged. This is consistent with the advice I and other ministers have received and we will, as always, keep this position under review.”

However, he added that the UK remained “gravely concerned about humanitarian access to Gaza, both during the review period and subsequently”.

While pressure is mounting on the government to publish the legal advice it receives, some ministers have warned that a “long-standing practice” prevents it from doing so.

Lord Cameron reiterated that the government would not “issue legal advice, we do not comment on legal advice but we will act in a manner consistent with it”.

The government does not supply weapons directly to Israel but grants export licenses to British companies to sell weapons to the country.

Labor is demanding the government publish legal advice that would halt arms sales to Israel if it finds a breach of international law.

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to back an embargo without seeing the advice first and has Protested for not taking further action.