B

Baroness Northover (LD)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 3 September 2024

Debate

Middle East Update

Contribution

I am sure that the Minister is aware that on 16 August an FCDO official, Mark Smith, resigned on the basis that: “Ministers claim that the UK has one of the most ‘robust and transparent’ arms export licensing regimes in the world, however this is the opposite of the truth”. He went on to say: “To export arms to any nation, the UK must be satisfied that the recipient nation has in place robust procedures to avoid civilian casualties and to minimize harm to civilian life. It is impossible to argue that Israel is doing that”. I am sure that the Minister will not comment on the case of Mr Smith, but can we be reassured that the Government will apply the rules without fear or favour as to the country in question?

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