Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh
Israeli PM's office: PM informed Trump he would not attend Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on account of Jewish holidays.
Israeli media: Netanyahu makes last-minute decision to cancel trip to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Large crowds gather in Khan Younis to welcome the liberated Palestinian detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in celebration
Buses of released prisoners arrive in Ramallah
Israeli media: Netanyahu gifts Trump a "Golden Dove".

UK suspends arms sale licenses to 'Israel' 'pending review'

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 6 Aug 2024 16:08
3 Min Read

The license process has been complicated in the UK, as ministers aim to distinguish between arms sold to 'Israel' for offensive and defensive purposes.

Listen
  • x

 

  • Pro-Palestinian protesters gather with placards and flags, including a banner urging Resist! Return!, at a 'National March For Palestine' in central London on November 11, 2023. (AFP)
    Pro-Palestinian protesters gather with placards and flags, including a banner reading "Resist! Return!," at a National March For Palestine in central London on November 11, 2023. (AFP)

UK civil servants have suspended proceedings of arms export licenses for sales to "Israel" awaiting a pending governmental review of the issue. 

A fixed date for the completion of the review concerning UK arms sales to the occupation has not been set due to the increased complication of the review, amid supposed allegations that this partnership violates international humanitarian law due to "Israel's" daily assault on Gaza. Ultimately, the ministers aim to distinguish weapons used for offensive and defensive purposes in the war on Gaza.

Government sources claim a fixed date is yet to be scheduled since the ministers are taking time to ensure the legality and compliance with arms export licensing laws. 

Back in June, the former Conservative government announced that 108 licenses had been granted for the occupation between October 7 and the end of May however, the license values have not been revealed.

Pending applications for exporters

The Department for Business and Trade has informed exporters seeking arms sales licenses that applications are currently suspended due to the pending review, while sources from Whitehall claimed this process should not have a policy change.

Related News

UK ready to join Hamas disarmament and Gaza ceasefire mission

George Galloway, wife detained at Gatwick, released without charge

“There has been no change in our approach to export licenses to "Israel," a business department spokesperson said. "We continue to review export license applications on a case-by-case basis against strategic export licensing criteria.”

Following a freedom of information request, Christian Aid disclosed that between October 7 and May 31, 20 companies were granted individual export licenses for military equipment to the Israeli occupation, while 30 other firms have outstanding applications for military export licenses.

The department informed Christian Aid that obtaining a license does not necessarily indicate that export has occurred since some permits may expire without being used, while others may expire after partial use.

“The only way to categorically ensure arms sold to Israel are not used in violation of human rights is with a black-and-white ban," Christian Aid Head William Bell said, asserting "That is what this new government should be ready to do. No ifs and buts. It is frankly reprehensible for any company to make a profit from this war.”

UK to delay decision on banning arms sales to 'Israel' for weeks

The UK is expected to decide on the imposition of an arms embargo on "Israel" in the upcoming weeks following a probe reviewing the evidence of the occupation's war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, The Times reported last Monday.

Newly-appointment Foreign Minister David Lammy is under pressure from backbench Labour Party members to announce a complete ban on arms sale to "Israel," which was speculated to occur this week, according to The Times.

However, the decision could take longer as ministers are aiming to suspend export licenses for specific weapons linked to the occupation's war crimes in Gaza, a probe that is expected to take weeks.

The contentious arms sales have strained the relationship between the UK and the occupation after the Labour government's assumed power, countering the former Conservative government's lenient decisions and support of "Israel" and its ongoing genocide in Gaza.

  • UK
  • United Kingdom
  • UK arms sale
  • Israel
  • Israeli occupation
  • Gaza
  • war on Gaza
  • Britain
War on Gaza

War on Gaza

Most Read

Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect amid conflicting signals and bombings

Gaza ceasefire takes effect; 'Israel' resumes bombing, timing disputed

  • Politics
  • 9 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Freed Palestinian prisoners carry rifles as they arrive in the Gaza Strip following their release from Israeli jails, outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian resistance remains steadfast, victorious Larijani says

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Laffan inspecting the command structure of the 10th Infantry Brigade in Kfarskhna-Zgharta on October 13, 2025. (Lebanonese Army)
Politics

Lebanese Army chief: Israeli aggression threatens Lebanon's security

Hamas fighters escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arriving in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

154 Palestinian prisoners exiled to Egypt under exchange deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives before US President Donald Trump addresses the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Monday, October 13, 2025 in Occupied Al-Quds. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Politics

Netanyahu withdraws from Sharm el-Sheikh summit amid regional pushback

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS