FM calls for end to arms exports to Israel

FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has urged the UK Government to rethink its plans to continue to allow arms exports to Israel – warning it risks being “complicit in the killing of innocent civilians”.

Mr Yousaf said it was “difficult to comprehend” that the UK Government has not ended the licensing of arms exports to Israel despite the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, the majority women and children, since last October.

He condemned the attacks by Hamas on October 7 but said the response “has gone far beyond any legitimate response”.

Mr Yousaf wrote letters to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on February 23 and April 3 to raise concerns and cited an open letter signed by more than 600 legal experts warning of “potential UK complicity in grave breaches of international law, including violations of the Genocide Convention”.

Lord Ahmad, minister for the Middle East, responded on April 8 and did not agree to end the licensing of arms exports to Israel, according to Mr Yousaf’s letter.

In his reply to Lord Ahmad on April 12, Mr Yousaf wrote: “In spite of everything in your reply, I note you have not agreed to end the licence of arms exports to Israel, which means the UK will continue to arm Israel’s war in Gaza, that has left tens of thousands dead, the majority reported to be women and children.

“As I said in my letter of April 3, by continuing to arm Israel, the United Kingdom Government is in danger of being complicit in the killing of innocent civilians.”

He reiterated the grave consequences of supplying arms amid the ongoing conflict, emphasising the loss of innocent lives and the risk of international law violations.

Expressing his disbelief at the UK’s persistence, Mr Yousaf asked what further evidence or developments would prompt the UK to reconsider its policy.

The UK Government has been contacted for comment.