Straw defies MPs over Israel arms
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jack Straw defied Labour MPs last night and approved the sale of military equipment for Israel.
Rebellious backbenchers wrote to the Speaker, Michael Martin, and to the Foreign Secretary demanding a Commons statement on the issuing of export licences for components to be used in United States-built F-16 fighters to be sold to Israel.
F-16s have flown regular bombing sorties over Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The deal, which in effect sidesteps the government embargo on sales of military equipment that could be used by the Israelis for internal suppression, was strongly defended by Mr Straw. He said Britain had some of the toughest rules on military exports, but insisted this contract was vital for Britain's defence relationship with the US.
Downing Street admitted the Government had faced a "difficult decision" in an area where there had been no clear guidance.
Labour MPs were incensed that the export licence, which they believe undermines the party's promise to have an "ethical dimension" to its foreign policy, was announced in a Commons written answer. Denouncing the Government's decision as completely immoral, Alice Mahon, the Labour MP for Halifax, warned of a "real, growing unease" among backbenchers.
She said: "The Foreign Secretary himself in the past has condemned in the strongest possible terms the fact that Israel has used F-16s and helicopter gunships in the Occupied Territories. This, after the scandal of continuing to arm India when India and Pakistan stood on the brink of a nuclear war, I think is just a bit too much to swallow."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments