UK civil servants request to stop work over arms sales to "Israel"
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Pressure has mounted on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to suspend arms sales to "Israel," particularly after three British aid workers were killed in an airstrike on Monday.
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Palestinians walk through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Monday, April 1, 2024 (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)
UK civil servants responsible for overseeing arms exports to "Israel" have requested an immediate cessation of their duties over concerns of complicity in war crimes committed in Gaza, Sky News reports.
Officials from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have raised alarms with senior civil servants, expressing apprehensions about inevitable liability if "Israel" is charged with violating international law.
In correspondence obtained by Sky News, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), representing civil servants, has urgently requested a meeting with the department to address "the legal jeopardy faced by civil servants who are continuing to work on this policy".
A letter sent on Wednesday stated: "Given the implications for our members, we believe there are ample grounds to immediately suspend all such work. We, therefore, request that you meet with us urgently to discuss this matter and cease work immediately."
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Sources indicate that members have requested their employers to refrain from assigning tasks related to export licenses to "Israel", along with other duties potentially linked to "Israel's" actions in Gaza.
The PCS has confirmed to Sky News its contemplation of legal action against the government.
The union's correspondence reveals ongoing efforts to obtain legal advice regarding arming "Israel" since January, after a preliminary ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said "Israel's" may amount to genocide.
In response, the department stated in a letter dated March 13 that "the question of criminal liability for civil servants is very unlikely to arise," but cited the confidentiality of legal advice received.
Paul O'Connor, head of bargaining at PCS, stressed alignment with the ICJ's findings, urging the UK government to halt arms exports to "Israel." He stated, "As it does not appear to be willing to do so, we are seriously considering taking legal action to prevent our members from being forced to carry out unlawful acts."
Labour MP John McDonnell said that following government instructions does not absolve individuals from charges of war crimes, urging transparency regarding the legal advice received.
Read more: 'Israel' to face consequences if civilian safety neglected in Gaza: US
Pressure has mounted on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to suspend arms sales to "Israel," particularly after three British aid workers were killed in an airstrike on Monday.
A government spokesperson highlighted the continuous review of advice on "Israel's" adherence to International Humanitarian Law, asserting that all export license applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
